322 ANGEE OF BEES. 



to Starve. Had it been so arranged, this industrious insect 

 would probably have long since become extinct. 



In seasons -when buckwheat abounds, they seem to mani- 

 fest more than usual irritabihty during its bloom. As 

 soon as a stock is pretty well suppHed with this world's 

 goods, like some bipeds, they become haughty, aristocratic 

 and insolent. A great many things are construed into 

 insults, that, in their days of adversity, would pass unno- 

 ticed ; but now it is becoming and due to their honor to 

 show " a just resentment." It behooves us, therefore, to 

 ascertain what are considered as insults. First, all quick 

 motions about them, such as running, striking, etc., are 

 noticed. If our movements among them are slow, cau- 

 tious, and respectful, we are often let to pass unmolested, 

 having manifested a becoming deportment. Yet the 

 exhalations from some persons appear to be very offensive, 

 as they attack some much sooner than others, though I 

 apprehend there is not so great a difference as many sup- 

 pose. Whenever an attack is made, and a sting follows, 

 the venom thus imparted to the air is perceived by others 

 at some distance, who will immediately approach the scene, 

 and more stings are likely to follow. 



The breathing of a person into the hive, or among them 

 Avhen clustered outside, is ccrrsidered in the tribunals of 

 their insect wisdom, as the greatest indignity. A sudden 

 jar, sometimes made by carelessly turning up the hive is an- 

 other. After being once thoroughly irritated in this way, 

 they remember it a long time, and are continually on the 

 alert ; the moment the hive is touched they are ready to 

 salute a person's face. When slides of tin or zinc are used 

 to cut off the communication between the hives and boxes, 

 some of the bees are apt to be crushed, or cut in two. 

 This they remember and retaliate as occasion offers ; and 

 it may be when quietly walking in the apiaiy. 



