78 HONEY-DEW. 



much regarded in hot climates for the cooling 

 shade they afford. 



" Jamque ministrantem Platanum potantibus umbram." 



VIRGIL. 



The ancients so much respected the former that 

 they used to refresh its roots with wine instead of 

 water, believing, as Sir William Temple has ob- 

 served, that " this tree loved that liquor, as well as 

 those who used to drink under its shade." 



" Crevit et affuso latior umbra mero." VIRGIL. 



. 



The sycamore has been discarded from the situa- 

 tion it used formerly to hold, near the mansions 

 of the convivial, owing to the bees crowding to 

 banquet on its profusion of honey-dew, and occa- 

 sioning an early fall of its leaves. The lime or 

 linden tree has been regarded as doubly acceptable 

 to the bees, on account of its fragrant blossoms 

 and its honey-dewed leaves appearing both to- 

 gether, amidst the oppressive heats of the dog- 

 days ; but it seems doubtful whether the flowers 

 have any attraction but their fragrance, as they 

 are said to have no honey-cup. 



It is of great importance to apiarians who re- 

 side in the vicinity of such trees as are apt to be 

 affected with honey-dew, to keep their bees on 

 the storifying plan, where additional room can at 

 all times be provided for them at pleasure, as 



