88 CONTROLLING 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 diffused 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 tle 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 surviving 
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 this 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 using liqnor or tobacco, are never successful bee-keepers, I have 
in mind, @ nervous man, who is an inveterate smoker, whose bees are the most 
pugnacious and unmanageable that I ever saw. After purchasing and removing 
some of these colonies to my own apiary, the difference in temper was percepti’ 
ble for a long time. 
