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CHAPTER XIV. 
Rossinec, aNnD How PreventTeED. 
An ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure. 
G64. Bees are so prone to rob each other, in time of 
scarcity, that, unless great precautions are used, the Apia- 
rist will often lose some of his most promising colonies. 
Idleness is, with them, as with men, a fruitful mother of 
mischief. They are, however, far more excusable than the 
lazy rogues of the human family; for they seldom attempt 
to live on stolen sweets, when they can procure a sufficiency 
by honest industry. 
As soon as they can leave their hives in the Spring, they 
may begin to assail the weaker colonies. In this matter, 
the morals of our little friends seem to be sadly at fault; 
for, those colonies which have the largest surplus are—like 
some rich oppressors—the most anxious to prey upon the 
meagre possessions of others. 
If the marauders, who are ever prowling about in search 
of plunder, attack a strong and healthy colony, they are 
usually glad to escape with their lives from its resolute 
defenders. The bee-keeper, therefore, who neglects to 
watch his needy colonies, and to assist such as are weak or 
queenless, must count upon suffering heavy losses from 
robber-bees. 
665. It is sometimes difficult, for the novice, to discrim- 
inate between the honest inhabitants of a hive, and the 
robbers which often mingle with them. There is, however, 
an air of roguery about a thieving bee which, to the expert, 
is as characteristic as are the motions of a pickpocket toa 
skillful policeman. Its sneaking look, and nervous, guilty 
