104 OUR BACKDOOR NEIGHBORS 



the nectar which they carried was gathered 

 from the flowers, and that it seemed to be 

 nothing much more than a little sweetened 

 water when they found it, but that after it was 

 brought to the hives they made wonderful 

 changes by which it was converted into honey. 



The cover was then lifted off the hive and a 

 puff of smoke blown across the top of the ex- 

 posed frames. The little girl gave an ex- 

 clamation of surprise at this, and it was ex- 

 plained to her that the object of the smoke was 

 to disarm the guards and save themselves from 

 annoyance by resentful bees. He explained 

 how carefully the bees guard their treasure, 

 and that if they were not constantly on the 

 watch, all the product of their hard labor 

 would be lost. Even other bees will rob their 

 weaker neighbors. The labor of the hive is so 

 divided that some bees remain on guard at 

 every opening, to make sure that each incom- 

 ing bee belongs there and is bringing in some- 

 thing to add to the wealth of the community, 

 instead of a stranger intent on seeking spoils. 



When the smoke was blown across the hive 

 it disturbed them greatly. There was a great 

 rush for the open cells, and every bee began to 

 take as big a load of honey as she could carry. 



