102 
THE ATIARY. 
the apiary while the bees are flying, as “ prevention is better 
than 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. If the bees are in the American Hive, little trouble 
need be experienced, as they are assisted in repelling marauders 
by the inclined bottom board, and by using the small slide for 
weak stocks, the entrance is easily contracted to the admission o 1 
a single bee at a time. 
