PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 207 
is probable that the reception of one swarm by another 
may depend upon their numbers, and the fitness of their 
station to accommodate them. Thorley witnessed a bat- 
tle of more than two days continuance, occasioned by a 
strange swarm forcing their way into a hive?. ‘Two 
swarms that rise at the same time sometimes fight till 
great numbers have been destroyed, or one of the queens 
slain, when both sides cease all their enmity and unite 
under the survivor. 
These apiarian battles are often fought in defence of 
the property of the hive. Bees that are ill managed, and 
not properly fed, instead of collecting for themselves, will 
now and then get a habit of pillaging from their more in- 
dustrious neighbours : these are called by Schirach corsair 
bees, and by English writers, robbers. ‘They make their 
attack chiefly in the latter end of July, and during the 
month of August. At first they act with caution, endea- 
vouring to enter by stealth ; and then, emboldened by suc- 
cess, come in a body. If one of the queens be killed, the 
attacked bees unite with the assailants, take up their abode 
with them, and assist in plundering their late habitation ¢. 
Schirach very gravely recommends it to apiarists whose 
hives are attacked by these depredators, to give the bees 
some honey mixed with brandy or wine, to increase and 
inflame their courage, that they may more resolutely de- 
fend their property against their piratical assailants‘. It 
is however to be apprehended, that this method of making 
them pot-valiant might induce them to attack their neigh- 
bours, as well as to defend themselves. 
Sometimes combats take place in which three or four 
2 166. > Thorley, sid. Comp. Mills On Bees, 63. 
© Comp. Schirach, 49. Mills, 62— Thorley, 163— CONE 
