Page:Jardine Naturalist's library Bees.djvu/242

238 for my trouble." In proof and illustration of these facts, the author subjoins the following Table, giving a view of the diminution in weight of each of his hives during one winter. Diminution of weight in each of thirty-six hives, from 20th September 1813, to 31st March 1814:—

From this Table it appears that the average expenditure of thirty-six hives in six months, was about eleven lbs. each; and that the smallest expenditure in any one hive was eight lbs., and the greatest nineteen lbs. This last difference the author attributes to pillage, and thinks it probable that the straw-hive, No. 38, had enriched itself at the expense of its