364 ROBBING AND HOW PREVENTED. 
In times of scarcity, food should never be given to the 
bees in the day time, but only in the evening, always 
inside of the hive and above the combs. The feeding of 
bees (605) in the day time causes robbing in two ways. 
It excites the bees which are fed, and induces them to go 
out to hunt for more, and the smell of the food given 
attracts the bees of the other hives. Hence follows fight- 
ing and trouble. But, above all things, the Apiarist must 
try to keep his colonies strong. When there is a scarcity 
of blossoms, or of nectar in the flowers, the entrance of 
the hive should be lessened, tosuit the needs of the colony, 
by moving the entrance blocks (339). If the hive con- 
tains more combs than the bees can well defend, the 
number of the combs should be reduced by the use of the 
division board (349). 
673. It is especially with weak colonies that care should 
be taken, in Spring or Fall. The strong hives being better 
able to keep warm, their bees fly out earlier in the day and 
will readily discover the weaker ones, which, unless their 
honey is protected, they will soon overpower. 
When the above instructions are carried out, if thieves 
try to slip into a feeble colony they are almost sure to be 
overhauled and put to death; and if robbers are bold 
enough to attempt to force an entrance, as the bottom- 
board slants forward ($27) it gives the occupants of the 
hive a decided advantage. Should any succeed in entering, 
they will find hundreds standing in battle-array, and fare 
as badly as a forlorn hope that has stormed the wulls of a 
beleaguered fortress, only to perish among thousands of 
enraged enemies. 
Cracks and openings in disjointed hives, should be se- 
curely closed with yellow clay, until the bees can be trans- 
ferred into better abodes. 
When the hives are opened, the work must be performed 
speedily and carefully; and, if any great number of 
