150 
SPRING. 
every particle they had.* About the usual number 
of bees were among the combs, to all appearance, very 
disconsolate. 1 at once removed them to the cellar, 
and fed them for a few days. The other bees gave 
over looking for more plunder, in the meantime. It 
was then returned to the stand, entrance nearly closed, 
as directed, &c. In a short time it made a valuable 
stock ; but had I left it twenty-four hours longer, it 
probably would not have been worth a straw. 
FURTHER DIRECTIONS. 
When a stock has been removed, if the next stand 
contains a weak, instead of a strong one, it is best to 
take that in also ; to be returned to the stand as soon 
as the robbers will allow it. If a second attack is 
made, put them in again, or if practicable, remove 
them a mile or two out of their knowledge of coun- 
try ; they would then lose no time from labor. Where 
but few stocks are kept, and not more than one or two 
stocks are engaged, sprinkle a little flour on them as 
they leave, to ascertain which the robbers are; then 
reverse the hives, putting the weak one in the place 
of the strong, and the strong one in the place of the 
weak one. The weak stock will generally become the 
strongest, and put a stop to their operations ; but this 
method is often impracticable in a large apiary ; 
because several stocks are usually engaged, very soon 
after one commences, and a dozen may be robbing 
one. Another method is, when you are sure a stock 
is being robbed, take a time when there are as many 
* It occurred the last of July. 
