CHAPTER III. 



DRONES. 



The drones are the largest class of bees in the family. 

 Their bodies are thick, short and clumsy, and obtuse at 

 each extremity. There are two descriptions of males — 

 one not larger than a worker. This class of drones is 

 but seldom seen. How they are produced, is a subject 

 for speculation. It is probable, however, that they only 

 exist, when the queen has deposited a portion of drone- 

 eggs in worker-cells ; the size of which will not admit 

 of a full development. The common drones are as large 

 as two workers. The head and trunk are covered with 

 dense hairs — much more dense than on workers, or on 

 the queen. Their wings are large, and extend to the 

 full length of the abdomen. Drones have no sting, and 

 may be handled with perfect impunity. They make a 

 loud, buzzing noise when on the wing. 



NATURAL USES OF DRONES. 



The natural uses of drones have hitherto been a sub- 

 ject on which the greatest contrariety of opinion has 

 existed; especially in Europe." In our own country, 



