THE bee-hunter's BUCKET. 353 



mocassins, made by himself, graced his feet; and his 

 whole outfit was completed, on this occasion, by his 

 rifle, axe, and bucket with its contents. What these 

 were will be shown presently. 



We met by appointment at a spot on the prairie, and 

 after the usual salutations, I expressed a hope that we 

 might find a bee-tree. His reply bespoke the master 

 of his craft. 



* Why not ? Here's plenty of bees upon the pee-rara ; 

 I guess I can line one to its gum.' 



The word ' line ' was double-Dutch to me, but I had 

 faith, and made no reply to what was evidently a re- 

 proof to my implied doubt of his abibties. 



He lost no time in commencing operations. Empty- 

 ing the bucket, he set it on the prairie reversed ; then 

 from its miscellaneous contents he picked out a tin 

 saucer, into which he poured a spoonful of honey ; then 

 setting it upon the bottom of the bucket, he stepped 

 back a pace and awaited the result, whilst I watched 

 each proceeding with curiosity. 



In a few minutes a bee had scented it out, and com- 

 menced loading itself with the treasure. T. S. cautiously 

 advanced, and instantaneously covered it with a tin 

 cup, and inspecting the bee, said, ^ It's nearly loaded.' 



Watching it closely, he dusted it with the sulphur 

 just as it flew, and followed it with his eyes. It was 

 soon lost to my sight ; but my companion continued to 

 gaze steadily after it, long after it was invisible to me. 



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