38 
On Rational Bee-Keeping, 
the hive for the first few days after they leave 
the cells, a fact which is easily proved with a 
hive of common bees into. which an Italian queen 
has been introduced. I should add that all 
the bees belonging to the same hive know each 
other, and if a stranger tries to enter their hive 
they will oppose it, and, if needs be, a pitched 
battle will take place. Nevertheless, if the 
strangers are laden with honey, they are gene- 
rally welcomed. 
It is for this reason that at gathering time 
the hives can be moved about. A weak hive 
may be put in the place of a strong one, and 
vice versa, the work of the hives proceeding 
without any combat taking place. 
Both worker bee and queen possess a sting, 
although the latter have seldom been known to 
make use of it. 
Bee-masters have pointed out various specifics 
against the sting of bees. Some advise that the 
wound be opened with a penknife, and a drop 
of alkali inserted ; others, a drop of alkali with 
carbolic acid, etc. As to ourselves, we have 
always advocated, after the removal of the sting, 
that cold water be employed, and the wound 
scratched at the same time with the nail, to 
remove the poison. 
