8o The Honey-Makers 



if they meant to strike, or give warning to the intruder to 

 stand back. 



Bumble-bees are particularly given to this habit, and it 

 is very amusing to see the warning legs fly up when one 

 comes too close. 



The legs are always used in this way when a stranger bee 

 comes too near and the intruder thus repulsed generally 

 takes the hint, unless it happens to be out of temper, when 

 a fight ensues, a fight that always leaves the wounded in 

 the tliroes of death. 



It may be that these elevated legs are useful in catching 

 hold of an enemy, for in this position the body can easily 

 be jerked around and the fatal sting inserted. 



