TIIE APIARY. 141 



die apiary while the bees are flying, as "prevention is better 

 lhan cure." Robbers may be known by their buzzing around 

 the hive in a very suspicious manner. Should one alight, he is 

 hurled from the entrance and frequently receives the fatal sting. 

 As long as this state of things continues and the attacked col 

 ony is prompt in defending itself there is little danger, but should 

 the robbers gather about the entrance in considerable numbers, 

 they may be dispersed, for the time, by sprinkling with cold 

 water ; but if the attacked colony be very weak, or not discov- 

 ered until resistance has ceased, it should be closed (ventilating 

 well) and either taken from home until the danger is past, or 

 carried to the cellar or a cool room, and fed diluted sweet for 

 three or four days. When again placed upon the stand, the en- 

 trance should be carefully guarded. If a half inch block be 

 placed upon each side of the entrance and a piece of lath or 

 shingle laid across, robbers will be cautious about entering the 

 shallow passage. A short board leaned against the front of the 

 hive, is also an excellent protection. Should it happen that a 

 powerful stock from a neighboring forest attacks a colony, re 

 move it as before, and trap the robbers as directed for capturing 

 wild bees A handful of long grass laid over the entrance, will assist a 

 weak stock. The robbers get entangled in it and are more easily driven 

 away. A piece of glass leaned against the hive over the entrance will 

 often check their depredations. In either case it is best to contract the 

 entrance so as to admit but a single bee at a time, and elevate the rear 

 of the hive, so as to give the attacked bees the advantage of an inclined 

 bottom board. 



