366 SBLBCnXG COLONIES FOK WINTER. 



These things ai-e none the less wonderful, when consid- 

 ered as the result of instinct. I am not sure but the dis- 

 play of wisdom is even greater than if the power of plan- 

 ning their own operations had been given them. 



I have mentioned these examples to show that a course 

 of action induced by the peculiar situation of one family, 

 would be adopted by another in a similar emergency. 

 Were I engaged in a work of fiction, I might let fancy 

 reign, and endeavor to amuse, but this is not my object. 



WE SHOULD BE CONTENT WITH FACTS. 



Let us endeavor to be content with truth, and not mur- 

 mur that her marvels are no greater. 



When we remember that the material for their combs is 

 formed in the rings of their own bodies, and that, untaught, 

 they detach it, and construct combs of the most beautiful 

 symmetry, and that unbidden they go forth to the field 

 to gather stores for the future use, we can but perceive 

 that throughout the whole cycle of their operations, one 

 law and one power governs, and whoever would seek that 

 directing power, must look beyond the sensorium of the 

 bee. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



SELECTING COLONIES FOR WINTER. 

 FLRST CARE. 



When the flowers fail at the end of the season, it is ne- 

 cessary to ascertain which are the weakest stocks, and all 

 that cannot defend themselves should either be removed or 

 reinforced. The strength of all stocks is apt to be thor- 

 oughly tested within a few days after a failure of honey. 



