40 ORIGIN OF THE SILVER EEL. 



CHAPTER V. 



I HAVE been a keeper of bee-hives for 

 thirty years. My object in keeping them 

 was to become acquainted with the govern- 

 ment, manners and modes of life of the bee. 

 As little is known of this insect as of the 

 beetle, and the facts of its history are as 

 difficult of discovery. The bee is the most 

 perfect insect I know. All its work is per- 

 formed in the dark, with wonderful inge- 

 nuity and skill. Every proprietor of bees 

 is aware that there are three distinct forms 

 of the insect in his hive, each performing its 

 own part for the good of the whole com- 

 munity. He is equally aware there are 

 three distinct cells or combs, for nursing 

 and rearing the young. The queen requires 

 the longest ; the male, the widest ; and the 

 common cells for the working neuters, are 

 of the same width as that of the queen, but 

 not so deep. 



