THE APIARY. 
42 
be forgotten that a repulse is not utter defeat, and even 
for days after, if our precautions are relaxed, the attack 
is likely to be renewed. 
Broodless or queenless stocks may, meanwhile, 
have their lack supplied, the addition of a comb or two 
of brood, in all conditions, having an immediate and 
almost magical effect in restoring courage to the dis- 
heartened; while they should be put into the best 
condition for defence by having their hive contracted 
as much as possible. In bad cases, it will be needful 
to close the hive altogether, giving ventilation, and 
transferring it to a cellar or dark room till the fourth 
evening, when it should be put upon its own or a new 
stand, its mouth slightly opened, and protected, if prac- 
ticable, as advised on the succeeding page. As honey 
is scarce, no loss is involved, the worried insects recover 
in their enforced idleness, and the robbers shut in 
with the rest will probably remain and assist the 
defenders. 
Another admirable plan is to throw over the hive a 
sheet, weighting the latter to the ground by brick or 
board, removing it at dusk, to give the proper in- 
habitants entrance. After dark, the stock is carried to 
another part of the apiary. The manipulating-tent 
(Fig. 103) may be conveniently employed in lieu of the 
sheet. The bees, as a result of their fright and annoy- 
ance, mark their new position, and very little loss is 
occasioned. It might appear wiser to keep the sheet 
or the tent for a day over the stock in its new position ; 
but this would but make it again a mark for the enemy. 
Leaving the bee-tent in place after the removal of the 
stock does good, by deceiving the assailants. 
