46 
MANUAL OP THE 
destroyed hundreds and thousands of strong and heal- 
thy colonies in trees, hives, and palaces. No matter 
how strong and active the colony, if the tnoth once 
obtains possession, it is soon destroyed unless relieved 
by the owner. In a few weeks the contents of the 
Hive are destroyed, .and a multitude of intruders are 
prepared to commence the work of destruction in oth- 
er colonies. Every Apiarian should understand the 
nature and habits of the moth, and use every means to 
impede his march. The moth makes his appearance 
about the middle of April, and may be seen as late as 
the middle or last of October. They fly only in the 
night; and in the day time lurk in sly places about the 
Hive, and most generally hang with the head down- 
wards. They are generally of a whitish gray color, 
with a pointed head of snuff color. They commence 
their march about dark, and are very active through 
the night, liy examining a Hive where they are, in 
the evening with a candle light, the miller can be dis- 
covered watching every opportunity to get access to 
the unguarded comb, through some crack or open place 
in the Hive. They are not fond of corning in contact 
with the guards of the Hive. If they fell into their 
power they are soon dissected and removed from the 
Hive. You will find it quite amusing to catch a miller, 
remove one or both wings, and drop him among the 
Bees. They will soon tell you how they dispose of 
them when they can get at them. 
In a few days after the eggs are deposited a cater- 
pillar is formed, and closes itself in a cocoon. When 
ready to commence his work of devastation, he guards 
himself by spinning a strong web, and making safe 
roads in different directions. He seldom exposes his 
body, and his head is guarded by a shelly substance too 
hard to be penetrated by the sting of the Bee. As soon 
as the worm or caterpiller quits the pupa; state it be- 
comes a winged moth. Again the work of propaga- 
tion is carried on, and they soon become numerous and 
accomplish the destruction of the Bee in this manner. 
In Box Hives mice are sometimes found in the win- 
ter season, and frequently destroy whole swarms. In 
