PASTURAGE. 57 



the bees, and in all probability furnish them with 

 the pale green pellets, then seen upon their thighs. 



The peachy nectarine, &c. are also valuable, on 

 account of their blossoming very early. 



Apple and pear trees, which in Worcestershire 

 and Herefordshire, during several weeks of spring, 

 seem to form 



" One boundless blush, one white empurpled shower 

 Of mingled blossoms," 



and give those counties the appearance of a per- 

 fect paradise, " may be said to constitute a second 

 course for the bees, after their earlier spring feast 

 on the bloom of the currants, gooseberries, and all 

 the varieties of wall fruit." 



Alder buds and flowers are also particularly 

 grateful to bees ; the former are said to afford 

 honey for six months together. The maple and 

 the lime also afford it for a considerable time. 



Dickson, in his " Agriculture," states that the 

 blossoms of the bean, which are highly fragrant, 

 though affording but a scanty supply of honey, 

 are nevertheless frequented by crowds of bees. 

 " Is this," says Dr. Evans, " an instance of mis- 

 taken instinct ?" 



The young spotted leaves of the vetch (Anthyllis 



vulneraria) they likewise ply continually for three 



months together, as well as its flowers, even though 



very distant from their homes. The beans also 



D 5 



