ENEMIES OE BEES. 269 



which the moth can enter, but which do not admit her into 

 the hive. These openings, which are much like the crevices 

 between the common hives and their bottom-boards, the 

 moth will enter, rather than attempt to force her way 

 through the guards, and finding here the nibblings and par- 

 ings of comb and bee-bread, in which her young can flourish,, 

 she deposits her eggs in a place where they may be reached 

 and destroyed. All this is on the supposition that the hive 

 has a healthy queen, and that the bees have no more comb 

 than they can warm and defend. If there are no guards 

 and no resistance, or at best but a very feeble one, she will; 

 not rest in any outer chamber, but will penetrate to the very 

 heart of the citadel, and there deposit her seeds of mischief. 

 These same blocks have also grooves which communicate- 

 with the interior of the hives, and which appear to the- 

 prowling worm in search of a comfortable nest, the very 

 best place, so warm, and snug, and secure, in which to spia 

 its web, and " bide its time." When the hand of the bee- 

 master lights upon it, it has reason to feel that it has been 

 caught in its own craftiness. 



If asked how much will such contrivances help the careless. 

 bee-man, I answer, not one iota ; nay, they will positively 

 furnish hira greater facilities for destroying his bees. Worms, 

 will spin and hatch, and moths will lay their eggs, under the 

 blocks, and he will never remove them ; thus instead of 

 traps, he will have most beautiful devices for. giving more 

 effectual aid and comfort to his enemies. Such persons, if 

 they ever attempt to keep bees on my plans, should use only 

 my smooth blocks, which will enable them to regulate the 

 entrance to the hives, and which are exceedingly important 

 in aiding the bees to defend themselves against moth» 

 and robbers, and all other enemies which seek admission to 

 their castle. 



23* 



