I'UliVENTION. 365 



robbers show themselves during the operation, it is well, 

 after closing the hive, and reducing the entrance, to place a 

 bunch of gra s (fine grass or line weeds preferred) over it, 

 for an hour, or till the temporary excitement has subsided. 

 The guardian bees station themselves in this grass and 

 chase out robbers much more easily than they could other- 

 wise. The robbers themselves recognize that their chances 

 of "dodging in" are slim, and give up the undertaking. 

 We have never had any trouble with robbers after closing 

 a hive in this way. 



When the robbed colony is weak, the robbing may be 

 abated by preventing any bees from entering it till evening, 

 when other colonies have stopped flying ; allowing, at the 

 same time, anj' bee that wishes to depart from it, and clos- 

 ing the entrance till late in the morning. By this course 

 most of the robbers will be tired of their useless attempts, 

 while the remaining workers of the robbed hive will be 

 read}' to repel the attacks. 



When none of these methods succeed, a small comb of 

 hatching Italian bees (551) may be given, with the nec- 

 essary precautions (480), to the weak colony, and the 

 hive placed in the cellar for a few days. The hatched Ita- 

 lians will receive the intruders warmly when the hive is 

 brought back. 



The Itahan bees (651) defend their hives much better 

 than the black (649) against the intrusion of robbers, and 

 the Cyprians and Syrians (659) surpass even the Italians. 

 When a comb of honey breaks down in a hive from any 

 cause, it should be removed promptly, and the bottom- 

 board should be exchanged for a clean one at once. If 

 any drops of honey fall about the Apiary, it is best to 

 cover them up with earth promptly. In short, no honey 

 should be left exposed, where bees can plunder it. 



