tHE HIVE BEE. t65 



Wildhara's exhibition. 



and in winter, unless they are all crowded to- 

 gether, they perish. Their enemies are the 

 wasp and the hornet, who with their teeth 

 rip them open to suck out the honey contained 

 in their bladder. Sparrows have also been seen 

 with one in their bill, and another in each claw. 



The ingenious Mr. Wildham possessed a 

 secret by which he could at any time cause a 

 hive of bees to swarm upon his head, shoulders, 

 or body, in a most surprizing manner. - He hag 

 been seen to drink a glass of wine with the bees 

 all over his head and face more than an inch 

 deep. Several fell into his glass, but they knew 

 him too well to sting him. He could even act. 

 the part of a general with them, by marshalling 

 them in battle array upon a large table. There 

 he divided them into regiments, battalions, and 

 companies, according to military discipline, 

 waiting only for his word of command. The 

 moment he uttered the word "march!" they 

 began to march in a very regular manner in rank; 

 *nd file, in the manner of soldiers. To these, 

 his lilliputians, he also taught so much politeness 

 that they never attempted to sting any of the 

 numerous company which, at different times, 

 resorted to admire this singular spectacle. 

 About thirty-five years ago, Mrs. Astley, (wife 

 of Mr. Astley, Sen.) used to exhibit a swarm of 

 bees on her arms, shoulders, 8tc. 



The humble bees are as large as the first joint 

 qf a man's middle finger. These are seea i 



VOL. VI. NO. 45. 2 L 



