88 COKTKOLLIITO BEES. 



sooner than others, though I apprehend there is not so 

 great a difference as many suppose.* When an attack is 

 made, and a sting follows, the venom thus diflused in the 

 air is perceived by others at some distance, who will im- 

 mediately approach the scene, and more stings are likely 

 to be received. 



The breathing of a person into the hive, or among 

 them when clustered outside, is considered in the tribu- 

 nals of their insect wisdom, as the greatest indignity. A 

 sudden jar, sometimes made by carelessly moving the hive, 

 is another. After being once thoroughly irritated in this 

 way, they remember it a long time, and are continually 

 on the alert ; the moment the hive is touched, they are 

 ready to salute a person's face. 



In adjusting the boxes and frames, some of the bees 

 are apt to be crushed, or cut in two. Their survmng 

 comrades are very liable to remember this, and to retaliate 

 as occasion offers. 



Bees never make an attack while in quest of honey, 

 or on their return, until they have entered the hive. It 

 is only in the hive and in its vicinity, that we may expect 

 them to manifest this irascible disposition. 



I must disagree with any one who says that we 

 always have warning before being stung. Two-thirds of 

 them sting without giving the least intimation. At other 

 times, when fully determined on vengeance, they will 

 strike the hat, and remain a moment endeavoring to 

 effect their object. In thi» case, one has warning to hold 

 down the face to protect it from a second attempt, which 

 is quite sure to follow. As they fly horizontally, the 

 face held in that position is not so liable to be attacked. 



When they are not so thoroughly angry, they often 



* Persons nsing liquor or tobacco, are never successful bee-keepers. I have 

 In mind, a nervous man. who is an inveterate smoker, whose bees are the most 

 pugnacious and unmanageable that I ever saw After purchasing and removing 

 Bome of these colonies to my own apiary, the difference In temper was percept! 

 ble tor a long time. 



