PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 203 



me ; but I remember one day last year, when the as- 

 paragus was in blossom, which a large number were at- 

 tending, I happened to go between my asparagus beds; 

 which discomposed them so much, that I was obliged 

 to retreat with hasty steps, and some of them flew after 

 me ; I escaped however unstung. Thorley relates an 

 anecdote of a gentleman, who desirous of securing- a 

 swarm of bees that had settled in a hollow tree, rashly 

 undertook to dislodge them. He succeeded; but though 

 he had used the precaution of securing his head and 

 hands, he was so stung by the furious animals, that a 

 violent fever was the consequence, and his recovery 

 was for some time doubtful. The strength of his con- 

 stitution at length prevailed ; and the hole of the tree 

 being stopped, the survivors of the battle settled upon 

 a branch, were hived, and became the dear-bought 

 property of their conqueror^. 



In Mungo Park's last mission to Africa, he was much 

 annoyed by the attack of bees, probably of the same tribe 

 with our hive-bee. His people, in search of honey, 

 disturbed a large colony of them. The bees sallied 

 forth by myriads, and attacking men and beasts indis- 

 criminately, put them all to the rout. One horse and 

 bix asses were either killed or missing in consequence of 

 their attack ; and for half an hour the bees seemed to 

 have completely put an end to tlieir journey. Isaaco 

 upon another occasion lost one of his asses, and one of 

 his men was almost killed by them''. 



* Thorley, 16. — The Psalmist alludes to the fury of these creatures, 

 when he says of his enemies, " They ccmipassed me about like bees." 

 Ps. cxviii. 12. 



" Park's Last Mission, 153. ?97. Comp. Jounial, 331. 



