46 HIVES. 



is then much less risk of their meeting the blfick drone. 

 There is still another theory of this matter of sex, offered 

 by Mr. E, Kirby, but as I am unable to comprehend 

 it fully, I will not undertake to explain it to others. 



Twelve years ago I dismissed this knotty subject with 

 this remark, " I shall leave this matter for the present, 

 hoping that something conclusive may occur in my exper- 

 iments, or those of others. At present I am inclined to 

 think that the eggs are all alike, but am not fully satisfied." 

 Since then we have advanced somewhat, in theories at 

 least. "We have facts pointing very clearly to the con- 

 clusion that eggs producing drones are not impregnated. 

 By patient perseverance, I trust that there will yet be 

 more light thrown upon this interesting subject. 



I am aware that this matter is of but little interest to 

 many readers, and I am advised to adhere to the plain 

 ■dnd practical, and avoid speculative topics. I shall endeavor 

 to do so generally, but this is, to me, of such special in- 

 terest, that I could not well avoid devoting a little more 

 attention to it than will be agreeable to all. 



CHAPTER III 



HIVES. 



SATISFACTION IN HAVING NO PATENT. 



There is a satisfaction, in being able to express my 

 views on a subject involving so many conflicting interests, 

 and feel that no one can accuse me of selfish motives. I 

 have kept clear of all interest in the patent swindles of 

 the day, and have refused tempting bribes for a simple 

 endorsement of some particular "pattern bee-hive." I 

 have refrained on principle from inflicting another patent 



