318 miner's AMERICAN 



her, the act must be instantaneous, or she is far away 

 before his hand touches the place where she rests. The 

 best way to destroy them, when they can be found out- 

 side, is to put on an old mitten or glove, and striking very 

 suddenly with the flat of the hand, will generally prove 

 effectual. They may often be found on the outside of 

 hives during the day, as the only time that they enter 

 is in the evening, or during the night. They generally 

 seek some place where they can pass the day under 

 some board, or any projection that affords shelter 

 under it. 



At evening, as soon as twilight appears, they com- 

 mence flying around the hives, and seeking out such as 

 are not very populous, for their scenes of depredation. 

 Having gained an entrance, they run up the sides of the 

 hive, and at the upper end, or as near as may be, they 

 at first make an incision in the propolis that is used to 

 cement the corners and joints of hives, with their ovi- 

 positer, and in the orifice made, the egg is deposited, and 

 so on until they have finished. The heat of the hive 

 keeps the propolis in a soft, pliable state, and it is ex- 

 actly suited to their wants. In a few days the eggs are 

 hatched, and small white worms emerge. These worms 

 grow very rapidly, and immediately search around for 

 food ; and the combs adjoining are very acceptable, 

 filled, as they are, with honey, larvse and pollen. The 

 bees have an instinctive hatred to these worms, which 

 -prevents them from destroying them as soon as hatched. 

 They do not seem to be aware of the danger that will 

 arise from them, until they commence the destruction of 



