292 
SOMMEK. 
The peculiar habits of the small black ants, probably 
give rise to a suspicion of mischief in this way. They 
live in communities of thousands — their nests are usu- 
ally in old walls, in old timber, under stones, and in 
the earth. From their nests a string may be traced 
sometimes for rods, going after, and returning laden 
with food. During a spell of wet weather, such as 
would make the earth and many other places too damp 
and cold for a nest, they look out for better quarters. 
The top or chamber of our bee-hives affords shelter 
from rain. The animal heat from the bees renders it 
perfectly comfortable. How then can we blame them 
for choosing such a location, so completely answering 
all their wants? As long as the bees are not disturbed, 
we can put up with it better. But the careless ob- 
server haying discovered their train to and fro liom 
their nest on the hive, exclaims: “ Why, I have seen 
them going in a continual stream to the hive after 
honey when a little scrutiny into the matter would 
show that only the nest was on the top of the hive, 
and they were going somewhere else for food ; not one 
to be seen entering the hive among the bees for honey, 
(at least I never could detect it.) 
When honey is unprotected by bees, or boxes of it 
placed where they can have access, as a natural con- 
sequence, they will carry off some ; but it is easily 
secured. 
SPIDER CONDEMNED. 
Spiders are a source of considerable annoyance to 
the apiarian, as well as to the bees ; not so much on 
