284 RACES OF BEES. 



though they will do so if intentionally annoyed, or irritated, 

 or improperly treated. 



Spinola speaks of the more peaceable disposition or this 

 bee ; and Columella, 1800 years ago, had noticed the same 

 peculiarity, describing it as '■'■ mitior morihus," (milder in 

 habits). When once irritated, however, they become very 

 cross. 



5th. They are more industrious. Of this fact, all the 

 results go to confirm Dzierzon's statements, and satisfy us 

 of the superiority of this kind in every point of view. 

 6th. They are more disposed to rob than common bees, and 

 more courageous and active in self-defense. They strive 

 on all hands to force their way into colonies of common bees ; 

 but when strange bees attack their hives, they fight with 

 great fierceness, and with an incredible adroitness. 



Spinola speaks of these bees as '■'■ velociores motu" — 

 quicker in their motions than the common bees. 



They however sooner grow tired of hunting, where nothing 

 can be gained ; and if all the plunder is put out of their reach, 

 they will give up the attempt at robbing (664) more prompt- 

 ly than common bees. 



7th. Aside from their peaceableness, they are more easily 

 handled than the common bees, as they chng to their combs 

 and do not rush about, or cluster here and there, or fall to 

 the ground, as the common bees do. 



It is hardly necessary to add, that this species of the 

 honey-bee, so much more productive than the common kind, 

 is of very great value in all sections of our country. Its 

 superior docility makes it worthy of high regard, even if in 

 other respects it had no peculiar merits. Its introduction 

 into this country, has helped to constitute the new era in 

 bee-keeping, and has imparted much interest to its pursuit. 

 It is one of the causes which have enabled America to 

 surpass the world in the production of honey. 



663. Their appearance can be described as follows; 



