20 MINEe's AMERICAN 



The antennae of the queen generally are turned or 

 curved downward.-^This is their natural position, and 

 the inexperienced bee-keeper may know her majesty 

 from this oircumstance, when he is in doubt as to her 

 identity. 



Workers have spoon-like cavities or baskets upon 

 their posterior legs, that hold the pollen or farina gath- 

 ered by them. No other bee has these cavities. Work- 

 ers also have a honey bag, or stomach, expressly to hold 

 the gatherings of the day. It will hold about half a drop 

 of honey. The bodies of bees are covered with a hairy 

 down, which, through a microscope, appears like a de- 

 fence o( palisades. 



Wonderful are the labors of this class, and truly may 

 they be called " workers," for never did industry show a 

 brighter example of indefatigable perseverance, than in 

 the labors of this little insect. 



The following little stanza often recurs to one's mind 

 as he surveys these ever industrious workers, hurrying 

 to and fro, on a bright sunny day. 



"How doth the little busy bee, 

 Improve each shining hour ; 

 Gathering honey all the day, 

 From every opening flower." 



The workers are the architects of the association. 

 They construct the cells, arrange their size and distan- 

 ces, repair damages, &c., &c. They are the laborers 

 of the family ; they gather the honey and farina, and 

 compound the food for the young bees, and upon their 

 skill and labors depend the prosperity of the colony. 



