MELTING DOWN OF COMBS. 
305 
I once had some new stocks ruined, and several 
others injured by hot weather, in this way, about the 
first of September, immediately after the flowers of 
buckwheat. The bees, or most of them, being covered 
with honey, together with what ran out of the hive, at 
once attracted bees from the others to the spot, which 
carried off the entire contents in a few hours. This 
was an uncommon occurrence ; I have known but one 
season in twenty-five years when it occurred after the 
failure of honey in the flowers. It usually happens 
during a plenteous yield, and then other stocks are 
not apt to be troublesome. 
FIRST INDICATIONS. 
The first indications of such an accident will be, 
the bees outside in clusters, when the hive is perhaps 
only half or two-thirds full, and the honey running out 
from the bottom, (this is when part has fallen.) 
PREVENTION. 
To prevent such occurrences as far as possible, ven- 
tilate by raising the hives on little blocks at the 
corners, and effectually protect them from the sun; and 
if necessary, wet the outside with cold water. At the 
time of losing those before mentioned, I kept all the 
rest of the young swarms wet through the middle of 
the day, and I have no doubt but I saved several by 
this means. I had some trouble with such as had only 
a piece or two come down, and started just honey 
enough to attract other bees. It was not safe to closo 
the hive to prevent the robbers, as this would have 
made the heat still greater, and been certain destruc- 
tion. 
