62 
in an 8 gallon pot; more could be dealt with by using a larger 
pot. 
XIX. ROBBING. 
The term “robbing” as applied to bees, signifies the robbing 
140. Robbing. of the honey stores in one hive, by the bees 
of another. 
Robbing is generally brought about by one or more of the fol- 
lowing causes :—(1) Weakness of stocks, 
144. Causes of | rendering them unable to properly guard 
Robbing. their stores. (2) Careless and unnecessary 
exposure of honey-comb or feeding syrup, 
and supplying food to stocks when bees are flying. (8) IIl- 
fitting hives, which permit the access of strange bees to the honey 
store by openings other than the door, and which, owing to the 
odour of honey from the hives, tempt strange bees to rob. (4) 
Unduly exposing hives for purposes of manipulation when honey 
is scarce. (5) Placing the hives too close together, that is, 
within less than six feet of one another. (6) Queenless stocks 
(145), which rarely vigorously defend their stores. (7) When 
manipulating stocks in an apiary containing several hives stand- 
ing near one another, failing to observe the very necessary pre- 
caution to avoid so far as possible opening a stock which stands 
next and close to the one last treated. 
When robbing is going on bees will frequently be noticed fighting 
on the alighting board ; it will be observed 
142. Signs of that frequent struggles take place, the 
Robbing. bees of the attacked hive gripping the 
robbers, and if strong enough to do so, 
killing them. 
For the prevention of robbing, avoid the causes of robbing 
mentioned in paragraph 141. Keep stocks 
143. Preventive strong; unite weak stocks; if robbing 
Measures. has commenced, narrow the entrance to 
about 3 inch wide, just enough to admit 
one bee; cut a piece of glass about 12 inches long and 2 inches 
wide, and let it rest on the alighting board, leaning against the 
hive front, so that the bees going out of or returning to the hive 
must pass round it, while the robber bees will be puzzled by this 
arrangement and render it easier for the attacked bees to defend 
themselves. The glass should, of course, be put in position when 
bees are not flying. If several hives in an apiary are robbed at 
the same time, it is very likely that all the robbing is done by 
one stock ; this can be ascertained by flouring (182) the fighting 
bees, and ascertaining which hive the robbers return to; if it 
is found that the robbing is due to one stock, its hive should be 
removed to a site more than two miles away (182). Another 
good method is to put a wisp of hay damped with subduing 
solution (180) on the alighting-board, leaving a sufficient 
passage to the entrance for the bees of the stock ; it should be 
