ENEMIES OF BEES. 
287 
HAT8 AND MICE. 
Rats and mice are never troublesome, except in 
cold weather. The entrances of all hives standing out 
are too small to admit a rat. It is only when in the 
house that much damage need be apprehended. They 
appear to be fond of honey, and when it is accessible 
will eat several pounds in a short time. 
Mice will often enter the hive when standing on 
the bench, and make extensive depredations. Some- 
times, after eating a space in the combs, they will 
there make their nest. The animal heat created by 
the bees will make a snug, warm place for winter 
quarters. There are two kinds : one the common 
class, belonging to the house; the other called “deer- 
mouse” — the under side perfectly white, the back 
much lighter than the other kind. The latter seems 
to be particularly fond of the bees, while the first ap- 
pears to relish the honey. Whether they take bees 
that are alive, or only such as are already dead, I 
cannot say. Only a part of the bee is eaten ; and if 
we take the fragments left to judge of the number 
consumed, the circumstance will go some ways to prove 
the sacrifice of quite a number. Whether bees or 
honey is wasted, a little care to prevent their depre- 
dations is well worthy of bestowal. As rats and mice 
have so long since been condemned and sentenced for 
being a universal plague, and without a redeeming 
trait, I will say nothing in their favor, and am per- 
fectly willing they shall be hanged till dead. 
