352 The Honey-Makers 



In India the bee is still an object of interest, and we are 

 told that because Krishna changed an earthly maiden 

 beloved by him into a certain plant (Ocymum nigrum) 

 and commanded that he should never be worshipped 

 without the presence of this plant, the Indians to this 

 day hold leaves of it in the hand when they remove the 

 honey from the hives — believing the god Krishna to be 

 present in the bees. 



Bees from very early times have enjoyed a reputation as 

 weather prophets. And this is far better deserved than 

 most of their attributes of divination, as it is evident to any 

 one who watches them that they fly not far from home 

 when a storm is brewing, even though to mortal senses there 

 may be no sign of atmospheric disturbance. 



This was well known to the ancients and concerning it 

 Aristotle says : — 



"Bees discover the approach of cold weather and of 

 rain ; this is plain, for they will not leave the hive, but 

 even if the day is fine, are occupied in the hive. By this 

 the bee-keepers know that they expect severe weather." 



And Virgil in the " Fourth Georgic " : — ■ 



" Nor do they remove to a great distance from their 

 hive when rain impends, or trust the sky when east winds 

 approach ; but in safety supply themselves with water all 

 around under the walls of their city, and attempt but short 

 excursions." 



It is a common superstition dating from the time of 

 Pliny, or probably long before, that bees cannot endure an 

 echo and will not remain in a country where echoes are 

 common. 



They are not, however, considered averse to all noises, 

 as we know. 



The ringing of church bells is believed to give pleasure 

 to the bees, wherefore one can, by pounding on metal 



