28 THE HONEY BEE CAPABLE OF BEING TAMED. 



clad in a coat of mail, at least bee-proof, and not even then 

 until all the windows of his house were closed, his domestic 

 animals bestowed in some place of safety, and sentinels 

 posted at suitable stations, to warn all comers to look out for 

 something almost as much to be dreaded as a fiery loco- 

 motive in full speed. In short, if the propensity to be ex- 

 ceedingly good natured after a hearty meal, had not been 

 given to the bee, it could never have been domesticated, and 

 our honey would still be procured from the clefts of rocks, 

 or the hollows of trees. 



A second peculiarity in the nature of the bee, and one of 

 which I continually avail myself with the greatest success, 

 may be thus stated ■: 



Bees cannot, under any circtjmstances, resist the 

 temptation to fill themselves with liquid sweets. 



It would be quite as easy for an inveterate miser to look 

 with indifference upon a golden shower of double eagles, 

 falling at his feet and soliciting his appropriation. If then we 

 can contrive a way to call their attention to a treat of running 

 sweets, when we wish to perform any operation which might 

 provoke them, we may be sure they will accept it, and under 

 its genial influence, so long as we do not hurt then), allow us 

 without molestation, to do what we please. 



We must always be particularly careful not to handle 

 them roughly, for they will never allow themselves to be 

 pinched or hurt without thrusting out their sting to resent the 

 indignity. I always keep a small watering-pot or sprinkler, 

 in my Apiary, that when I wish to operate upon a hive, as 

 soon as the cover is taken off, and the bees exposed, I may 

 sprinkle them gently with water sweetened with sugar : 

 they help themselves with the greatest eagerness, and in a 

 few moments are in a perfectly manageable state. The 

 truth is, that bees managed on this plan are always glad to 



