154 THE FARMER'S MANUAL. 



honey, and which she transports, and lays up for the 

 use of the swarm in winter, in the common stock. 



" The vessel which contains the venom is at the 

 root of the sting, and is conveyed with the wound of 

 the sting. The sting is a sharp, barbed, hard sub- 

 stance, at the extremity of the belly, and is both the 

 offensive, and defensive weapon of the Bee. 



" The Bee easily inflicts a wound with her sting, and 

 from its barbed surface, often leave the sting behind, 

 which generally proves fatal to the Bee. The sting 

 of the Bee effects persons very differently, some with 

 much pain and injury, others with very little sensi- 

 ble effect. Many remedies have been suggested for 

 the sting of the Bee, but the best remedy may be 

 found in extracting the sting immediately, and apply 

 a little laudanum. To prevent the swelling arising 

 from the sting of the Bee, I know of no remedy more 

 efficacious than Venice Treacle, or olive-oil. In 

 regard to the former, it is well known to be a speci- 

 fic against the bite ot the viper. In the Archipelago, 

 it is customary to keep a bottle of olive-oil close to 

 the Apiary, and apply it instantly to the puncture of 

 the Bee ; the mischief is generally prevented. The 

 juice of the onion, mixed with common salt is also a 

 good remedy." 



All these details can only produce on the rational 

 mind a more distinct and extensive knowledge of that 

 infinite intelligence, who has arranged the creatures 

 of this earth, presided at their organization, and re- 

 gulated their existence and configuration. There is 

 nothing in nature which can so fully demonstrate to 

 us, an equally wise and powerful Being. 



The insects, the most vile, -are, perhaps, more ad- 

 mirable in their structure than the sun, and the most 

 brilliant stars. What proportion ! what harmony ! 

 what correspondence in every part of the Bee. How 

 many combinations, arrangements, causes, effects and 

 principles, which tend to the same end, and concur 

 in the same design ! What exactness, what symmr- 



