PHYSIOLOGY. 285 



many have experienced when inadvertently sitting 

 down on an ant-hill. On this principle, a solution 

 of any alkali, or even lime-water, might answer 

 the same purpose ; and soap would have the 

 double advantage of neutralizing the acid and allay- 

 ing the inflammation, by the oil which would be dis- 

 engaged. Plunging the part stung into cold or 

 warm water would afford the same relief as in burns, 

 &c. and also dilute the acid acrimony. Quiet- 

 ness is the surest protection against being stung. 

 It has lately been affirmed, that a person is per- 

 fectly secure amidst myriads of bees, if he care- 

 fully keep his mouth shut, and breathe gently 

 through the nostrils only, the human breath being, 

 as it would appear, highly offensive to their de- 

 licate organs. (Fide Senses of Bees.) It is added 

 that with this precaution, hives may be turned 

 up, and even part of the combs cut out, while the 

 bees are at work, with perfect impunity. 



Those who wish to view the sting of a wasp or 

 bee through a microscope, may cut off the end of 

 its tail, when by touching it with a needle or pin 

 it will thrust out the darts and their sheath, which 

 may be then snipt off with a pair of scissors and 

 reserved for observation. If the insect be caught 

 in a leather glove and provoked to eject its sting, 

 the same end will be answered ; as the sting being 

 detained by its barbs, will be left in the leather, 

 from whence, when the creature is dead (which in 



