THE UI STORY OF A HUMBLE-BEE. 1G9 



" Well answered, Miss Abby," said tbe Doctor, " for 

 you and I are xjarticcps criminis with the boys and the 

 naturahst, and are estopped from all complaint. Why 

 is it that the humble-bee is such an Ishmaelite among 

 the insects ?" 



"But is he an Ishmaelite?" I responded. "He is 

 doubtless an AduUamite — a cave-dweller and a sort of 

 outlaw ; but while every man's hand appears to be 

 against him, I cannot concede that his hand is against 

 every man. He is a peaceful, well-nigh harmless fel- 

 low, and would do little damage were he let alone. 

 When the scythe or mowing-machine rushes over his 

 nest in the meadow-grass at hay-harvest, he makes a 

 good deal of fuss, of course — as who would not under 

 like circumstances ? Sometimes he inflicts a sting ; but 

 these are not crimes sufficient to call down the univer- 

 sal wrath of man. As for the few cells of honey in his 

 nest, they alone would scarcely tempt even boyhood to 

 the onset. It's a case of persecution, and I speak a 

 good word for our wild friends — the Indians of the bee 

 race. I am not even sure that the humble-bee is not 

 belied as to its stinging propensity. At least I have at 

 various times sat down by a nest, quietly thrust in my 

 naked hand, removed the mattress and examined the 

 interior at my leisure. The bees bustled out and buzzed 

 around, but I sat perfectly still and received no harm." 



" Has the humble-bee any natural enemies ?" asked 

 the Doctor. 



" Thank you for the suggestion — Yes ! There is one, 

 at least, whom I am glad to classify with its human 



