ORDER VI.-——VEIN-WINGED INSECTS. 259 
hive in full operation without being astonished at the act- 
ivity and surprising industry of its inhabitants. We see 
crowds constantly arriving from the woods, meadows, fields, 
and gardens, laden with provisions and materials for future 
use, while others are continually flying off on similar col- 
lecting expeditions. Some are carrying out the dead, others 
are removing dirt or oflal, while others are giving battle to 
any strangers that may dare intrude. Suddenly a cloud 
appears, and the bees hurry home, thronging at the entrance 
to the hive by thousands, until all are gradually received 
within their sacred inclosure. In the interior of the hive 
we see with what skill they work their combs and deposit 
the honey which they have manufactured; and when their 
labor is over for the day, we observe them resting in chains 
suspended from the ceiling of their habitation, one bee cling- 
ing with its fore feet to the hind feet of the one above it, 
until it seems impossible that the upper one can be strong 
enough to hold on to the ceiling and support the weight of 
so many hundreds, without letting them drop. But all 
these circumstances will be mentioned in their proper places ; 
and, for the purpose of presenting our readers with a com- 
plete history of this most interesting species of insects, as 
well as with correct ideas of their proper management, we 
propose to explain in order: 
1st. The different individuals of which a bee-hive is 
composed ; 
2d. The different kinds of bee-hives ; 
3d. The laying of their eggs ; 
4th. The development of the egg ; 
5th. The swarms; 
6th. Their sting, and battles ; 
7th. The collection of honey and wax; 
8th. The combs ; 
9th. The honey harvest ; 
10th. The uses of wax and honey. 
