GOVERNMENT OF WASPS AND BEES. 321 



readily perceive her at the first glance; and long 

 practice has enabled me to seize her instantly, with 

 a tenderness that does not in the least endanger her 

 person. Being possessed of her, I can, without ex- 

 citing any resentment, slip her into my other hand, 

 and returning the hive to its place, hold her, till the 

 bees, missing her, are all on the wing and in the 

 utmost confusion.' It was then, by placing the 

 queen in view, he could make them alight wherever 

 he pleased, and sometimes using a word of com- 

 mand to mystify the spectators, he would cause them 

 to settle on his head, and even to hang from his 

 chin like a living beard, from which he would order 

 them to his hand, or to an adjacent window. But, 

 however easy such feats may appear in theory, 

 Wildman cautions those who are inexperienced not 

 to put themselves in danger by attempting to imitate 

 him. A liberated Roman slave, C F. Cnesinus, 

 being accused before the tribunals of witchcraft, 

 because his crops were more abundant than those of 

 his neighbours, produced as his witnesses some 

 superior implements of husbandry, and well-fed oxen, 

 and pointing to them, said, ^ These, Romans! are 

 my instruments of witchcraft; but I cannot show you 

 my toil, my perseverance, and my anxious cares.' 

 * So,' says Wildman, ^ may I say. These, Britons! 

 are my instruments of witchcraft; but I cannot show 

 you my hours of attention to this subject, my anxiety 

 and care for these useful insects; nor can I com- 

 municate to you my experience acquired during a 

 course of years.'* 



* Treatise on Beee, 1769. 



