266 ENEMIES OP BEES. 



From these remarks, the bee-keeper can gather, in this 

 Chapter, the means on which I most rely, to protect my 

 colonies from the bee-moth. Knowing that strong stocks 

 supplied with a fertile queen, are always able to take care of 

 themselves, in almost any kind of hive, I am careful to keep 

 them in the state which is found to be so secure. If they 

 are weak, they should be properly strengthened, and only as 

 much comb given to them, as they can warm and defend : 

 and if queenless, they must be supplied with the means of 

 repairing their loss, or if that be impossible, they should at 

 once be broken up, (See Remarks on Queenlessness,) and 

 added to other stocks. 



It cannot be too deeply impressed on the mind of the bee- 

 keeper, that a small colony should be confined to a small 

 space, if we wish the bees to work with the greatest energy, 

 and offer the stoutest resistance to their numerous enemies. 

 Bees do most unquestionably, " abhor a vacuum," if it is one 

 which they can neither fill, warm, nor defend. Let the 

 prudent bee-master keep his stocks strong, and they will do 

 more to defend themselves against all intruders, than he can 

 possibly do for them, even though he spend his whole time 

 in watching and assisting them. 



It is hardly necessary, after the preceding remarks, to say 

 much upon the various contrivances to which so many re- 

 sort, as a safeguard against the bee-moth. The idea that 

 gauze-wire doors, to be shut daily at dusk, and opened again 

 at morning, can exclude the moth, will not weigh much with 

 one who has seen them flying and seeking admission, 

 especially in dull weather, long before the bees have given 

 over their work for the day. Even if the moth could be 

 excluded by such a contrivance, it would require, on the 

 part of those who use it, a regularity almost akin to that of 

 the heavenly bodies in their course, and so sytematic, in 



