Nebraska advertiser. [volume] (Brownville, Nemaha County, N.T. [Neb.]) 1856-1882, 1858-08-05
Farm and Garden.
From the Country Gentleman.
Remedy for the RObbing of Bees.
MEssRs. EDIToRs

Remedy for the RObbing Of Bees.
MEssRs. EDIToRs:
Much that is written upon all practi-
cal subjects, is necessarily but little else
than a rehearsal of what has been writ
ten before, modified somewhat by the ex-
perience of the writer, with whom, in
many instances, it may have been origi-
nal. and perhaps, entirely new to a num-
ber of readers; while to others, though
not new, it may be none the less inter-
esting, as the ideas are clothed with a
new garb, and supported by fresh con-
firmatiOn. Now, what propose TO COM
municate in the way of practical value, is
already before the public, and my only
apology for sounding its echo, is that
perhaps the echo may reach the ears of
some who have been deaf to the original
sound, and that those who are already ia
miliar with it, may regard it with increas-
ed confidence.
In the early part of May, l observed
that one of my weaker swarms was at
tackled by its more powerful neighbors,
and was rapidly loosing its valued treas
ures. The bees were rushing in and
out with fearful rapidity, presenting an
appearance at a distance not very dissim-
liar to the issuing of a swarm.
plainly saw that something must be
done, and that without delay, or my little
colony must fall victim 10 the ruthless
invaders.
Never having had a case of the kind
before, | could not avail myself of past
experience, and so with a feeling of con-
fidence, took counsel with my old guide,
that had thus far safely led me through
the may avenues Of apiaran experience
-Quinby's "Mysteries Of Bookkeeping
Explained" And then, as the sequel
proved, l found precisely the thing which
| needed.
In discussing the subject Of robbing,
Mr.. Quinby says: Gas for remedies,
| have tried several. The least trouble
is to remove weak hives in the night to
cellar, or some dark, cool place, for few
days, until at least two or three warm
days have past, that they may abandon
the search. The robbers will then prob
ably attack the stock on the stand. Con-
tract the entrance Of this in accordance
with the number of bees that are to pass.
If strong, no danger need to be appre-
hended."
He further adds, on the next page =
Another method is, when you are sure a
stock is being robbed, to take a time when
there are as many plunderers inside as
YOU can get, and close the hive at once
(wire-cloth, or something to admit air
and at the same time confne the bees, is
necessarily carry in as before, for two OF
three days, when they may be set out
The strange bees thus enclosed will joir
the weak family, and will be as eager tc
defend what is now their treasure, as they
were before to carry 1t off This plan
succeeds for about four times out of five
when a sufficient number is enclosed
/ Weak stocks are strengthened in this
way very easily; and the bees being
taken from a number of hives are no
missed. The difficulty is, to know wheI
there is enough to be about equal to wha
belongs to the weak stock; if too few
are enclosed, they are surely all de.
stroved."
Now, as mine was a weak swarm,
concluded to try the latter method, hoping
/ thereby, not only to prevent further rob
bing. but also to strengthen the swarm
On checking the operations in that hive
| bv closing the entrances, the greedy lit
tie fellows few around in wild excite
ment, still intent on plunder, and mad
descent on several adjacent hives, when
by the aid of contracted passages of in
gress and egress, they were enabled t
repel their assailants, though not withou
considerable sacrifice of life; and thu
my apiary was soon restored to its won
ted harmony.
The hive in question, was that evenin!
removed to the cellar, from whence
was taken after the lapse of three days
since which it has been unmolested, an
by the operation was transformed fror
a puny swarm to one of my most vigor
Gus ones-a striking illustration of tn
remark that "evil designs are thwarte
that good may come"
Ny success was so complete, and S
easily achieved, that | felt constrained I
present it to you readers, believing ther
is no better way, when prudently mar
aged, of disposing of this casual annoy
ance. P.
CHATHAM CENTER. Y. Y,