280 SUMMER. 



a moment endeavoring to effect their object. In this 

 case, I have ■warning to hold down ray face to protect 

 it from the next attempt, which is quite sure to fol- 

 low. As they fly horizontally, the face held in that 

 position is not so liable to be attacked. When they 

 are not so thoroughly charged with anger, they often 

 approach in merely a threatening attitude, buzzing 

 around very provokingly for several minutes in close 

 groximity to our ears and face, apparently to ascertain 

 our intentions. If nothing hostile or displeasing is 

 perceived, they will generally leave ; but should a 

 quick motion or offensive breath offend them, the 

 dreaded result is almost sure to follow. Too many 

 people are apt to take these threatening manifesta- 

 tions as positive intentions to sting. When these 

 things can be quietly endured, and at the same time 

 leave their vicinity, it generally ends peaceably. They 

 never make an attack while away from their home in 

 quest of honey, or on their return, until they have 

 entered the hive. It is only in the hive and its 

 vicinity that we expect to meet this irascible tempera- 

 ment, which should not be allowed, or at least may 

 be subdued in a great, measure, if not entirely, by 

 doing things in a quiet manner, and by the use of 

 tobacco smoke. Any person having the care of bees 

 should go armed with this powerful weapon. As bees 

 are not much affected with smoke, while flying in the 

 air, but will have their own way, we must take them 

 in the hive as the place to teach them a proper deport- 

 ment! 

 Those who are accustomed to smoking will find a 



