THE ITALIAN BEE. 449 



voures of the wings of both queens and drones are finer and 

 more delicate tiian those of the common kind, and the sounds 

 produced in flying are clearer and higher toned. Hence, 

 probably, they are readily able lo distinguish each other 

 when on the wing. 



If at the time when young queens are emerging, the bees 

 and drones be tempted to sally out earlier than usual in the 

 day, hours before the common drones come forth, by feeding 

 them with diluted honey, the perpetuation of the genuine 

 breed will the more probably be secured. But this end will 

 the most certainly be attained, if measures be taken to have 

 Italian queens and drones bred early in the season, before 

 the common drones make their appearance; and again late, 

 after the latter have been " killed off." This may readily 

 be accomplished by means of the improved hive, and the 

 application of certain known principles in bee-culture. 



The Baron of Berlepsch, one of the most enthusiastic and 

 skillful Apiarians, on a large scale, in Germany, says he can, 

 from his own experience, confirm the statements of Dzierzon, 

 in relation to the Italian bee. 



1. That the Italian bees are less sensitive of cold than the 

 common kind. 



2. That their queens are more prolific. 



3. That the colonies swarm earlier and more frequently, 

 though of this he has less experience than Dzierzon. 



4. That they are less apt to sting. Not only are they less 

 apt, but scarcely are they inclined to sting, though they will 

 do so, if intentionally annoyed and irritated. 



5. That they are more industrious. Of this fact he had 

 but one summer's experience, but all the results and indica- 

 tions go to confirm Dzierzon'a statements, and satisfy him of 

 the superiority of this kind in every point of view. 



6. That they are more disposed to rob than common bees, 



38* 



