THE BEE. 



filled. A loud humming noise was heard, and the work of de- 

 struction immediately ensued. The winged combatants sallied 

 forth from the hive until it became entirely emptied, and a fero- 

 cious battle commenced in the air between the besiegers and the 

 besieged. These intrepid warriors were so numerous, that they 

 literally darkened the sky overhead like a cloud. Meanwhile, 

 the destructive battle raged with great fury on both sides, and 

 the ground beneath was covered with the killed and wounded. 

 Hundreds were seen dispersed on the ground, lying dead, or 

 crawling about in a disabled state. To one party at length the 

 palm of victory was awarded, and they settled upon a branch 

 of an adjoining tree, from which they were removed to the deserted 

 hive, of which they took quiet possession, and commenced and 

 continued their usual industry. 



112 



