152 
SPRING. 
destruction ! I have known a few instances where 
good stocks by this means were reduced, until they in 
turn fell a prey to others. I have for several years 
kept about one hundred stocks away from home, 
where I could not see them much, to prevent robbing. 
Yet I never lost a stock by this cause. I simply 
keep the entrance closed, except a passage for the bees 
at work during spring. It is true I have lost a few 
stocks, when the other bees took the honey, but they 
would have been lost any way. 
SPRING THE WORST TIME. 
As I before remarked in the commencement of this 
chapter, bees will plunder and fight at any time 
through the summer, when honey cannot be collected ; 
but spring is the only time that such desperate and 
persevering efforts are made to obtain it. It is the 
only time the apiarian can be excused for having his 
hives plundered, or letting them stand in a situation 
for it. We then often have families reduced in 
winter and spring, from various causes, and when 
protected through this season, generally make good 
stocks. It is then w r e wish them to form steady, in- 
dustrious habits, and not live by plunder. Prevention 
is better than cure ; evil propensities should be 
checked in the beginning. The bee, like man, when 
this disposition has been indulged for a time, it is hard 
breaking the habit ; a severe chastisement is the only 
cure ; they too go on the principle of much wanting 
more. 
