SPRING MANAGEMENT. 285 
commencement of the latter is to be looked for 
when the bees are seen rapidly hurrying home in 
crowds to the hive. Payne may be cited in this 
connection. ‘I am not aware,” he observes, ‘ that 
bees have ever been placed in the list of those 
animals which are said to foretell the changes of 
weather, as many of the feathered and insect tribes 
are; but in my opinion they stand foremost of the 
weather-wise. A nice observer, by looking at them 
in the early morning during the working season, will 
very soon be able to form an opinion as to what 
the day will be, and that almost to a certainty; for 
they will sometimes appear sluggish and inactive, 
although the morning is very bright, and showing 
every appearance for a fine day; but the sun soon 
becomes clouded, and rain follows. And, again, the 
morning may be dull and cloudy, and sometimes 
rain may be falling; still the bees will be observed 
going out in considerable numbers; and as sure as 
this is seen the day becomes bright and fair.” 
“Thou wert out betimes, thou busy, busy bee! 
When abroad I took my early way ; 
Before the cow from her resting-place 
Had risen up, and left her trace 
On the meadow, with dew so grey, 
I saw thee, thou busy, busy bee ! 
“Thou wert alive, thou busy, busy bee! 
When the crowd in their sleep were dead ; 
Thou wert abroad in the freshest hour, 
When the sweetest odour comes from the flower ; 
Man will not learn to leave his lifeless bed, 
And be wise, and copy thee, thou busy, busy bee ! 
