FALL MANAGEMENT. 
307 
fere officiously, assisting to remove it. A good yield 
of honey is the best protection against this disposition 
to pillage. After the first year combs become thicket, 
and are not so liable to give way. 
CHAPTER XXI. 
FALL MANAGEMENT. 
FIRST CARE. 
When the flowers fail at the end of the season, the 
first thing necessary is to ascertain which are the weak- 
est stocks, and all that cannot defend themselves should 
either be removed or reinforced. The strength of all 
stocks is pretty thoroughly tested within a few days 
after a failure of honey. Should any be found with 
too few bees for defence, they are quite sure to be 
plundered. Hence the necessity of action in season, 
that we may secure the contents in advance of the 
robbers. 
STRONG STOCKS DISPOSED TO PLUNDER. 
Strong stocks, that during a yield have occupied 
every cell with brood and honey, when it fails, will 
soon have empty cells left by the young bees, hatch- 
ing. These empty cells, without honey to fill them, 
appear to be a source of much uneasiness. Although 
such hive and caps may be well stored, I have ever 
found them to be the worst in the apiary, much more 
disposed to plunder, than weaker ones with half the 
honey. As weak stocks cannot be bettered now, it is 
best to remove them at once, and put the temptation 
