ANGER OF BEES. 223 



HOW THEY MAKE AN ATTACK. 



I must disagree with any one Avho says tliat we always 

 have warning before being stung. Two-thirds of them 

 sting without giving the least intimation. At other 

 times, when fully determined on vengeance, I have had 

 them strike my hat, and remain a moment endeavoring to 

 effect their object. In this ease, I have warning to hold 

 down my face to protect it from a second attempt which 

 is quite sure to follow. As they fly horizontally, the face 

 held in that position is not so liable to be attacked.* 



When they are not so thoroughly angry, they often ap- 

 proach in merely a threatening attitude, buzzing around 

 very provokingly for several minutes in close proximity to 

 one's ears and face, apparently to ascertain our intentions. 

 If nothing hostile or displeasing is perceived, they will 

 genferally leave ; but should a quick , motion, or disagree- 

 able breath offend them, the dreaded result is not long de- 

 layed. Too many people are apt to construe these threat- 

 ening manifestations into positive intentions to sting. 



■NEVEE lEEITABLB WHEN AFTER HONBY. 



They never make an attack while 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 may expect them 

 to manifest this irascible temperament. It may be sub- 

 dued in a great measure, if not entirely, by working 

 quietly and using smoke. Any person, having the care 

 of bees, should be armed with this powerful weapon. As 

 bees are not much affected with smoke while flying in the 

 air, but will there have their own way, we must teach 

 them a proper deportment iu the hive. 



* striking them down renders them ten times move furious. Not in the least 

 daunted, they return to the attaclc. Not .llie least show of fear is perceived. 

 Even, after losing their sting, they obstinately refuse to desist. Tire best way is 

 to walk as quietly as possible to the shelter of some bush or to the iiouse. They 

 will seldom go inside of the door. 



