580 
BEES AND BEE-KEEPING. 
against strong stocks ; the weak they often succeed 
in impoverishing. Destroy all queen wasps in the 
spring, as each of these — known by her large ab- 
domen — starts an independent colony. Treat all nests 
of Vespa vulgaris^ which are built in the ground, to 
destruction by turpentine, paraffin, gas-tar, or gun- 
powder. This is the more important, as large 
numbers hybernate in these nests. 
Ants are rather tantalisers than enemies ; populous 
hives prevent them entering. In wet seasons I have 
known them utilise bees in a most interesting manner, 
by spreading their larvae (ignorantly called “ ants’ 
eggs”) in a layer over and between the top coverings 
of the bees, so that the warmth of the latter and the 
dryness of the situation might duly bring the chrysalids 
to perfection. These were moved about, and carried 
up and down from the nest beneath, as circumstances 
dictated. 
In closing this chapter, I cannot forbear asking my 
readers to consult any of the older writers on the 
subject. They will then, perhaps, be surprised to find 
that, in former times, birds, wasps, moths, mice, snails, 
and spiders, were the most dreaded foes, and diseases 
accounted as trifling and infrequent ills. How different 
the case now ! Our modern hives keep the old pests 
pretty much at bay, but infectious disorders are on the 
increase, and are also appearing in new forms. It is 
no safeguard to shut one’s eyes to a danger. Safety 
rather lies in a knowledge of the magnitude of any evil, 
and respecting this one, slackness is all but criminal. 

