THE BEE. 67 



by a secoud Eve*, aud wandering forth in search of a 

 resting-place and new pasture grounds. And so the 

 little 6ee-world revolves, and will continue to revolve 

 as long as bees exist. 



Never has there been a creature, unless it be per- 

 haps the sweet-toned nightingale, that has lent in- 

 spiration to the poet's muse more frequently than 

 the little Honey Bee ; and wherefore has she received 

 such tributes of praise ? Let us answer iu the words 

 of one of her admirers : — 



" Not a flower can be foimd in the fields, 

 Or a spot tliat we till for our pleasure, 

 From the largest to least, but it yields 

 The bee, never wearied, a treasure. 



" Scarce any she quits unexplored, 

 With a diligence truly exact ; 

 Yet, steal what she may for her hoard, 

 Leaves evidence none of the fact. 



" Her lucrative task she pursues, 



And pilfers with so much address, 

 That none of their odour they lose, 

 Nor charm by their beauty the less. 



" Not thus inofiensively preys 



The cankerworm, indwelling foe ! 

 His voracity not thus allays 



The sparrow, the finch, or the crow. 



" The worm, more expensively fed, 

 The pride of the garden devours ; 

 And birds pick the seed from the bed. 

 Still less to be spared than the flowers. 



* Strictly speaking, we believe the drones lead the swarm ; 

 at least, so it has lately been stated. 



