92 BEE PASTURAGE. 



the stamens as the most conspicuous part of the flower, 

 soliciting the embrace of the bee, by pouring out boun- 

 teous libations more prized by our industrious insect 

 than wine. J'or several weeks they are allowed to 

 partake of this exquisite beverage ; it is secreted at all 

 hours and in all kinds of weather. When the morning 

 is warm we often hear their cheerful humming among 

 the leaves and flowers of this shrab, ere the sun ap- 

 pears above the horizon. The gentle shower, sufficient 

 to induce man to seek a shelter, is often unheeded by 

 the bee when luxuriating among these flowers ; even 

 white clover, important as it is in furnishing the great- 

 est part of their stores, at this season, would be neglect- 

 ed if there was only a fall supply of this. Clover be- 

 gins to blossom with the raspberry, and continues lon- 

 ger. We have an insufficient supply (in this section) 

 in most seasons. Eed clover probably secretes as 

 much honey as the white, but the tube of the corolla 

 being longer, the bee appears to be unable to reach it. 

 Yet I have seen a few at work even here, but it ap- 

 peared like slow business. Sorrel, {Rumex Acetosella,) 

 the pest of many farmers^ is brought under contribu- 

 tion, and furnishes the precious dust in any quantity. 

 Morning is the only part of the day appropriated to 

 its collection. 



CATNIP, MOTHER-WORT, AND HOAKHOUND ARE SOUGHT AFTBB. 



Catnip, {Nepeta Cataria,) Mother-wort, {Leonunts 

 Cardiaca,) and Hoarhound, {Marruhium Vulgare,) about 

 the middle of June, put forth their flowers, rich in 

 sweetness, and like the Raspberry, the bees visit them 



