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Enemies. The Bee Moth. Tinea Galleria. (Vide moth) This is the
most destructive enemy of the bee. Birds. Kingbird, martin and some
other birds are fond of bees. The wanton destruction of birds the cause of incalculable loss to the
farmer and horticulturist. It is a well known fact that birds return in the spring to the
place where they were reared, and that they [crossed out: are soon] will soon decrease in places
where they are allowed to be destroyed. No apiarian, however partial to his bees should allow
the birds to be destroyed, because of the few bees which they may devour. They will do him
much more good than harm by killing the insects which prey upon the fruit trees, and [inserted: which] by discouraging
the [crossed out: ir] more general [inserted: cultivation of such trees], diminish the forage of the bees. [inserted: The wren and] some [inserted: other] birds are
very fond of the worms and immature young which are thrown out from the hives, and will
sometimes seize upon them [crossed out: even before the] [inserted: while the] bees are dragging them off from the alighting board. 
In Europe the wasp appears to be a great enemy of the bee, not particularly troublesome in this country. 
Mice sometimes commit great ravages in hives, they enter them in the winter season and
often cause their entire destruction. The entrance to hives ought to be too small to allow the mice
to get in. Ants are sometimes troublesome, especially the large black ant, but hives
are seldom attacked unless they are diseased. To guard the bees against their enemies
let them be kept in well made hives and so managed as to be kept strong in numbers,
and they will then be able with judicious care on the part of their owner to defend themselves. 
 (See D u) Perhaps the following plan would be best if he is right. Fasten full foundation (3/4 inches from bottom) to
top and sides, have only one tin and fasten it strongly to foundation with melted wax. This might hold all so
secure as to prevent sagging or bulging, and would hold the comb firm in the frame. If a sheet of foundation is cut into
two pieces the four pieces would make four good starters for four frames and the bees have 1/4 of
each frame full, and placed between patterns would build worker comb. One tin might be used as others
or cut thus (2, 3) to be joined shape of 1 and use here half foundation for each comb, or (1) for two or three frames and (2, 3) for others.