BEES 



299 



a day for several weeks together, and therefore, in her life of three or four years, 

 more than one and a half millions. The " workers " outnumber the drones 

 by at least twelve to one. The wax used for constructing the remarkable cells 

 is secreted by the bees. The honey is made from the nectar of flowers, under 

 a process of digestion in the " honey-bag " of the bee. The young bees (larvse) 

 are fed on compressed pollen. 



The eggs which produce female bees are laid in a long and specially pre- 

 pared cell, generally attached to the edge of the comb, with its mouth down- 

 wards. The larva is fed on special food, called " royal jelly," made by the 

 nurse bees from honey and pollen mixed with saliva. 



When a female is mature, the old queen leaves the hive, taking with her 

 part of the community to form a new colony, while the young princess reigns 

 at home in her stead. 



The so-called " English Hive Bee," which is black, is a very hardy and strong 

 species, but is generally regarded as bad-tempered. A great many beekeepers 

 therefore import Italian queens, the little insects 

 arriving safely from abroad in small special " cages." 

 They are introduced into hives, the result being 

 a very gentle, hard-working community of golden- 

 coloured bees. 



The best way of observing the remarkable habits 

 of Hive Bees is to set up an observing hive. The 

 sketch represents, perhaps, the best sort in Eng- 

 land. It is founded on one planned by Mr. Tickner- 

 Edwards, but I have so adapted it that the bees can 

 live in it all the year round. Beneath is a drawer 

 containing a few frames, where the bees live in the 

 winter ; but above is a special arrangement of re- 

 volving glass cases, three in all, containing two bar- 

 frames each, which are reached by the bees through a central passage. These 

 may be turned and examined at any time quite freely, and without any danger 

 of being " stung." For further information I would like to commend 

 warmly the excellent book, Bees, shown to the Children, by Ellison Hawks, 

 published by Messrs. Jack. Though written for children, it will be found of 

 fascinating interest to adults as well, and it is beautifully illustrated. 



Observing hive. 



