Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1875-12-17
For the VERMONT FARNER
Italian Bees.

distinct variety Of honey bee was discovered
by German military officer in northern
Italy, which has since been known as the
Italian" or "Ligurian Bee," and introduced
into nearly ell parts Of Europe and America
They are found in that part Of Italy which
is bounded on the porth, west, and south by
the lofty Alps, aud on the east BY the Adri-
attic sea- Whether they originated in a cross
between the common black bee and the
Egyptian bee, which is distinct species, or
by the peculiar climatic conditions Of north
ern Italy, na,urAlists are not agreed. Ger
tain it is that they were known to the an
cient Romans as q distinct variety, and as
superior to the black bee.
In their native country the Italian bees
are found to be in appearance like the COM
mon bee, except the abdomen Of the queen,
which is a dark yellow color, sometimes a
leathery hue, being brightest near the waist
and darker near the end.
The first three rings on the abdomen OF
the workers are similar in color, with the
edge bordered with black. The drOnss vary
greatly in color, some as dark as those Of
the black race, while others are mOttled
and striped with yellow.
When first introduced into this country
(sOms sixteen years ago) great stories were
told of their size, color. and industry which,
doubtless, raised the expectations Of bee
keepers quite too high. Still, believe that
their introduction into this country has been
great advantage to the bee-keeping fra
tsrnity.
After an experience of ten years with
them, during which time have been engag.
ed in producing honey for the city market,
land not Italian queens and colonies for
those who could be made to believe them a
great deal better than the black beos) l fiud
them very much preferable to the blacks, and
| feel that | can unbcsitatingly recommend
them to those who reside in sections similar
to my own, where white clover and bass
wood furnish the greater portion Of our sur
plus honey.
l find them more industrious than th'
common bee, working on some flowers tina
the common bees do not, gathering more o
less honey from red clover every season, an'
3 at least one season when drouth prevente'
e the white clover FROM blooming, filling thei
It hives aud storing surplus from this SQUIRE
e alone.
Il It Is very rarely that colony Of Italia
It bees is overcome and robbed. am yer
Is sure that they defend their hives againI
y robbers much better than the blacks.
% have never had colony Of Italians 81
is riOusy injured by the worms
During the summer, and especially durir
&c yield Of honey, they are very gentle
w disposition, rarely volunteering an attack
Sc bat II you attempt to disturb them in 60
er weather they are quite apt to be sassy
at especially if they have any black blood
en- their veins. The grades seem much mo
pugnacious than either the pure ltalan
he black bees.
'm One Of the most marked as we'll as des
he able traits Of the italian bees is their col
ow pOsure, which is 50 great that you can Fl
ys, quently take out every comb from a hi
lP- and return it without apparently in the lei
on. disturbing them, while if you attempt
.he open a hive Of black bees they are Aln,
ns sure to get demCrali1ed and run in every
to rsOtiOp a portion Of them dropping to
lrs ground aud running up .hsNp person Of
of operator and often producing an amount
er- confusion that is any thing but pleasant
es That this variety Of bees are handsO
no one who has ssOn them will deny !;
the their beauty is Of little practical value, !