ROBBERIES. 
147 
bees, about the middle of each fair day, or a little 
later, take a turn of flying out very thickly for a short 
time. The inexperienced observer would be very 
likely to suppose such stock very prosperous, from 
the number of inhabitants in motion. This unusual 
bustle is the first indication of foul play, and should 
be regarded with suspicion; yet it is not conclusive. 
A DUTY. 
It is the duty of every bee-keeper, who expects to 
succeed, to know which his weak stocks are ; an ex- 
amination some cool morning, can be made by turning 
the hive bottom up, and letting the sun among the 
combs. The number of inhabitants in them is easily 
seen. When weak, close the entrance, till there is 
just room for one bee to pass at once. The first real 
pleasant days, at any time before honey is obtained 
plentifully, a little after noon, look out for them to 
commence robbing. Whenever a weak stock is taken 
with what appears to be a fit of unusual industry, it 
is quite certain they are either robbers or young bees ; 
the difficulty is to decide which. Their motions are 
alike, but there is a little difference in color — the 
young bees are a shade lighter ; the abdomen of the 
robbers, when filled with honey, is a little larger. 
It requires close, patient observation, to decide this 
point, and when you have watched close enough to 
detect this difference, you can decide without trouble. 
A TEST. 
But while you are learning this nice distinction! 
