324 miner's AMERICAN 



this should be the last resort. When a hive is being 

 robbed, it may be known by the numerous bees that fly 

 around it, uttering an entirely different sound from that 

 of bees while gathering honey. They seem to act as if 

 they were guilty of a misdemeanor, and show a coward- 

 ice in every motion. As evening approaches, they may 

 be seen to leave the hive rapidly, even after twilight sets 

 in. This is the time to close the entrance. Robbers 

 generally come from one family, and they may be dis- 

 covered by sprinkling flour on them as they emerge, 

 and then watching where they enter. 



C H A P T E S!" X X V , 



GUIDE PLATE, ETC. 



Instead of inserting guide-combs or bars, as Dr. 

 Bevan recommends, to cause the bees to build their 

 combs at proper distances ; I recommend the use of an 

 invention of mine, termed a guide-plate. It is made of 

 tin, and is one foot square, and sheets may be purchased 

 of just that size'. This plate just fills my hives, that 

 measure a foot in diameter! Having ascertained the 

 natural distances of combs, I have interstices cut in this 

 plate to correspond therewith ; and previous to my bees 



