466 ENEMIES OF BEES. 



up, except a few which were perforated, and from which, I sup- 

 pose, the larvee emerged. This appears to be a case of true par- 

 thenogenesis in the bee-moth." — Translated from Dr. Donhoff 

 by S. Wagneb. 



811. In Fig. 194, Mr. Tidd has faithfully delineated, 

 and Mr. Smith skillfully engraved, the black mass of tan- 

 gled webs, cocoons, excrements, and perforated combs, which 

 may be found in a hive where the worms have completed 

 their work of destruction. 



The entrance of a moth into a hive and the ravages com- 

 mitted by her progeny, forcibly illustrate the havoc which 

 vice often makes when admitted to prey unchecked on the 

 precious treasures of the human heart. Only some tiny 

 eggs are deposited by the insidious moth, which give birth 

 to very innocent-looking worms ; but let them once get the 

 control, and the fragrance* of the honied dome is soon cor- 

 rupted, the hum of happy industry stilled, and everything 

 useful and beautiful ruthlessly destroyed. 



As a feeble colony is often unable to cover all its combs, 

 the outside ones may become filled with the eggs of the 

 moth. The discouraged aspect of the bees soon indicates 

 that there is trouble of some kind within, and the bottom- 

 board will be covered with pieces of bee-bread mixed with 

 the excrement of the worms. 



If a feeble colony cannot he strengthened so as to protect its 

 empty combs, the careful bee-keeper will take them away until 

 the bees are numerous enough to need them. 



812. Combs having no brood, from dead colonies, or 

 surplus combs, with or without honey, should be smoked 

 with the fumes of burning sulphur, to kill the eggs or 

 worms of the moth, when kept from the bees in the months 

 of June, July, August, and September. The box, hive, 

 or room in which they are kept should be tightly closed 

 to prevent the gas from escaping till it has done its work. 



• The odor of the moth and larvie is very ofTenslve. 



