7 
“ Apis indica, a bee rather similar to, but smaller than, the English 
honey-bee, builds its nest as a rule in hollow trees where it forms 
several parallel combs. It can be hived, although it is very subject to 
attack by wax-moth whereupon it usually deserts the nest and swarms 
off elsewhere, so that it is rare to induce a colony to remain in one hive 
for more than a few months. ‘The ordinary English bar-frame hive 
and foundation comb, being made to suit the larger European bees, 
are hardly suitable for Apis indica, whose combs are smaller, averag- 
ing about 35 cells in 6 inches, whereas European combs run to about 
27. This difficulty may be overcome by the use of specially made 
foundations and I am writing to Colombo to make inquiries regarding 
the availability of such for Indian bee-keepers, as I understand 
eX Fanndatied “iachiad “ior thatthe Ceylon Agricultural Society 
Apis indica is now available at has recently ebtemice a found. 
Pusa and foundation can be ®10> machine * specially built to 
made if wax ia supplied. suit Apis indica. This bee offers 
the most likely subject for trial in 
T.B.F.—15-6-14. domestication amongst the native 
Indian bees, although, as remarked above, it is not altogether satisfac- 
tory. It is at times rather a vicious species, resenting interference and . 
manipulation, and that also is a point against asking coffee planters to 
endeavour to domesticate it. I presume that its honey and wax are 
covered by the term “forest products ”; but I am unaware whether 
collection of products of this variety is included under the licenses 
granted by the Forest Department. In any case, it would prove 
most difficult to enforce protection for this bee, as it builds almost 
anywhere in the jungle wherever a suitable hollow tree is to be found 
and is not confined to special localities as is the rock bee. 
Fic, 4.—Apis indica, worker. The small outline figure shows the natural nize. 
‘ Apis florea occurs in the Shevaroys by all accounts, although I 
saw none at all, It buildsa small single comb rarely more than 6 
inches broad by 12 deep (often smaller) and is quite unsuitable for 
domestication. It usually hangs its comb from a branch of a bush 
where it is easily found and taken and this habit renders it (like Apis 
indica) very difficult to protect by any legislation. It is, though 
small, a most active little worker and must doa great deal of good in 
the pollination of flowers. Its store of honey is so small that itis not 
likely to be taken for commercial purposes but would doubtless be 
secured for present eating by jungle tribes. 
