258 MANUAL OF THE APIARY. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



EVILS THAT CONFRONT THE APIARIST. 



There are various dangers that are likely to vex the apia- 

 rist, and even to stand in the way of successful apiculture. — 

 Yet, with knowledge, most, if not all of these evils may be 

 wholly vanquished. Among these are : Robbing among the 

 bees, disease, and depredations from other animals. 



ROBBING. 



This is a trouble that often very greatly annoys the inex- 

 perienced. Bees only rob at such times as the general 

 scarcity of nectar forbids honest gains. When the question 

 comes : Famine or theft, like many another, they are not 

 slow to choose the latter. It is often induced by working 

 with the bees at such times, especially if honey is scattered 

 about or left lying around the apiary. It is especially to be 

 feared in spring, when colonies are apt to be weak in both 

 honey and bees, and thus are unable to protect their own 

 meager stores. The remedies for this evil are not far to 

 seek : 



First. Strong colonies are very rarely molested, and aro 

 almost sure to defend themselves against marauders ; hence, 

 it is only the weaklings of the apiarist's flock that are in 

 danger. Therefore, regard for our motto, " Keep all colo- 

 nies strong," will secure against harm from this cause. 



Second. Italians, as before stated, are fully able, and quite 

 as ready, to protect their rights against neighboring tramps. 

 Woe be to the thieving bee that dares to violate the sacred 

 rights of the home of our beautiful Italians. For such 

 temerity is almost sure to cost the intruder its life. 



But weak colonies, like our nuclei, and those too of black 

 bees, are still easily kept from harm. Usually, the closing 

 of the entrance so that but a single bee can pass through, is 



