270 State Board ok AGKicui/runK, ttc. 



estMblished tlint tlie bees are unable to cut the skins of the 

 grapes. In order to ascertain the fact, the most jni(iy and 

 sugared grapes, pears, sweet clierries, plums, apricots, etc., 

 were put inside the hives. Never have the bees attacked 

 them if they were not previously scratched. The experi- 

 ment was repeatedly made. It was discovered also that the 

 first cutting was made by a kind of wasp or by birds, or 

 caused by rain falling when the fruit was ripe. In Italy 

 the same experiments have led to the same results." 



From the foreffoino; we tind the bee to be tlie friend and 

 only the friend of man. Let us, then, carefully (;ultivate 

 their acquaintance and supply their simple wants, and we 

 shall not only tind nnich to admire in tliem but shall 

 receive from tliem treasures of the most delicious nectar, 

 as well as their nmch needed assistance in fertilizinjjj the 

 flowers of our most valuable plants. 



