The Life of the Bee 



Extractor, which enables the honey to be 

 withdrawn by centrifugal force without 

 breaking the combs, etc. And thus, in a 

 few years, the methods of apiculture 

 underwent a radical change. The capac- 

 ity and fruitfulness of the hives were 

 trebled. Great and productive apiaries 

 arose on every side. An end was put 

 to the useless destruction of the most 

 industrious cities, and to the odious selec- 

 tion of the least fit which was its result. 

 Man truly became the master of the 

 bees, although furtively, and without their 

 knowledge ; directing all things without 

 giving an order, receiving obedience but 

 not recognition. For the destiny once 

 imposed by the seasons he has substituted 

 his will. He repairs the injustice of the 

 year, unites hostile republics, and equal- 

 ises wealth. He restricts or augments 

 the births, regulates the fecundity of the 

 queen, dethrones her and instals another 

 i6 



