28 



to be exceedingly good-natured after a hearty mral, had not 

 been given to the bee, it could never have been domesti- 

 cated, and our honey would slill be procured from the clefts 

 of rocks, or the hoUowrs of trees. 



A second peculiarity in the nature of the bee, and one of 

 which I continually avail myself with the greatest success, 

 may be thus stated. 



Bees cannot, under any circumstances, resist the 

 temptation to fill themselves with liquid sweets. 



It would be quite as easy for an inveterate miser to look 

 with indifference upon a golden shower of double eagles, 

 falling at his feet and soliciting his appropriation. If then 

 we can contrive a way to call their attention to a treat of 

 running sweets, when we wish to perform any operation 

 which might provoke them, we may be sure they will ac- 

 cept it, and under its genial influence, alldw us without 

 molestation, to do what we please. 



We must always be particularly careful not to handle 

 them roughly, for they will never allow themselves to be 

 pinched or hurt without thrusting out their sting to resent 

 such an indignity. I always keep a small watering-pot or 

 sprinkler, in my Apiary, and whenever 1 wish to operate 

 upon a hive, as soon as the cover is taken off, and the bees 

 exposed, I sprinkle them gently with water sweetened with 

 sugar. They help themselves with the greatest eagerness, 

 and in a few moments, are in a perfectly manageable stale. 

 The truth is, that bees managed on this plan are always 

 glad to see visitors, and you cannot look in upon them too 

 often, for they expect at every call, to receive a sugared 

 treat by way of a peace-offering. 



I can superintend a large number of hives, performing 

 every operation that is necessary for pleasure or profit, and 

 yet not run the risks of being stung, which must frequently 



