APIS MELLIFICA. 



Envelope of the body not crustaceous. 



Tarsi with five joints. 



Abdomen generally attached to the thorax by a very slender 

 pedicle, terminated in the females, either by an ovipositor 

 in the form of a saw, or by a simple retractile sting, which 

 introduces an irritating fluid into the wounds it creates. 



Metamorphosis complete. 



THE SECONDARY CHARACTERS. 



APIS. Labium filiform, composing with the jaws a kind of 

 proboscis, geniculate and bent downwards. First joint of the 

 posterior tarsus large and compressed in the form of a square 

 and triangular face. No spines at the extremity of the 'last 

 two legs. Upper wings with one radial and three cubital cells. 



THE SPECIFIC CHARACTERS. 



APIS MELLIFICA. Blackish. Abdomen of the same color, 

 with a transverse grayish band, formed by the down at the 

 base of the third and following segment. 



NATURAL HISTORY. 



The BEE is an industrious and useful insect, and well wor- 

 thy the attention of all classes, and will repay the utmost care 

 that can be taken in its management. 



No farm or cottage garden is complete without a row of 

 these busy little colonies, with their warm, neat roofs, and 

 their own particular fragrant bed of thyme, in which they 

 especially delight. Select a sheltered part of the garden, 

 screened by a wall from the cutting north and easterly winds ; 

 let them enjoy a southern sun, but do not place them facing 

 his early beams, because bees should never be tempted to quit 

 their hive in the heavy morning dew, which clogs their limbs 

 and impedes their flight. Place them, if possible, near a run- 

 .ning stream, as they delight in plenty of water ; but if none is 

 within their easy reach, place pans of fresh water near the 

 hives, in which mix a little common salt, and let bits of stick 

 float on the surface to enable bees to drink safely. Never 

 place hives in a roofed stand ; it heats them, and induces the 

 bees frequently to form combs outside of their hives instead 

 of swarming. Let the space before fche hives be perfectly 

 clear of bushes, trees, and every impediment to their move- 

 ment, that they may wing their way easily to seek for food, 

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