144 
SPRING. 
once, when bees are being robbed. It requires the closest 
scrutinizing observation to decide. 
DIFFICULTY IN DECIDING. 
There is nothing about the apiary more difficult 
to determine, nothing more likely than to be deceived. 
It is generally supposed, when a number are outside 
fighting, that it is conclusive that they are also rob- 
bing, which is seldom the case. On the contrary, a 
show of resistance indicates a strong colony, and that 
they are disposed to defend their treasures. I no 
longer have any fears for a stock that has courage to 
repel an attack. 
WEAK FAMILIES IN MOST DANGER. 
It is weak families, that show no resistance, where 
we find the most danger. In seasons of scarcity, all 
good stocks maintain or keep sentinels about the 
entrance, whose duty it appears to be to examine 
every bee that attempts to enter. If it is a member 
of the community, it is allowed to pass ; if not, it is 
examined on the spot. It would seem that a pass- 
word was requisite for admittance, for no sooner does 
a stranger-bee endeavor to get in, than it is known. 
If without necessary credentials, there is evidence 
enough against it. Each bee is a qualified jurist, 
judge, and executioner. There is no delay ; no wait- 
ing for witnesses for defence. The more a bee attempts 
to escape, the more likely it will be to receive a sting, 
unless it succeeds. How strange bees are known, 
would be nothing but theory, if I should attempt to 
explain. Let it suffice that they are known. 
