THE WEAPON OF DEFENCE 79 



ful alkaloids. It is these which cause the 

 extremely painful consequences which sometimes 

 arise from bee stings. 



It is most unusual for a bee away from its hive 

 to use its sting against a human being. It is 

 only in actual defence of its home that it does so. 

 Except in the very depth of winter, there are 

 always a number of sentinels posted at the entrance 

 of the hive. Towards the end of the summer, 

 when large stores have been gathered and the 

 sources of honey supply are worked out, this 

 number is increased enormously, until by August 

 or September there is quite a huge crowd of 

 these sentries in the entrance. 



Colonies differ enormously in the matter of 

 stinging. Some will not allow anything that looks 

 at all harmful to approach within six yards, 

 a number of bees flying straight out and stinging 

 the intruder. In the majority of cases, however, 

 they do not sting unless absolutely obliged, when, 

 for instance, a definite attempt is made to attack 

 their home. Although the experienced bee-keeper 

 can tell within a little just when it is safe to open 

 a hive and display the contents without smoking 

 the inmates, there are times when a surprise sally 

 is made. I have known, at times, a corner of 

 the top coverings to be only just lifted and two 

 or three bees rush out and sting me immediately. 

 At another time, I might pull the hive to pieces 

 without a single attempt being made to sting me. 



