bee-keeper's manual. 263 



of the presence of a queen-bee imparted to the legions 

 under her control." 



" Why, sir, the history and economy of the bee must 

 be quite interesting. I always supposed it was a dry 

 subject. Really, I should like to hear a little more about 

 the wonderful instinct of this insect, unless you fear this 

 swarm will depart if not soon hived." 



" With pleasure, ' sir. I'll just put up this canvas 

 screen to keep the rays of the sun from them, since they 

 cannot bear an intense heat in such a situation, and 

 then I'll try and see if I can find the queen, and we will 

 see what effect her removal will have upon them, if I 

 be so fortunate as to find her." 



" I'm delighted, sir, at the prospect of seeing her." 



" I think I'll find her with the feather end of this quill 

 — don't be alarmed, they don't sting during swarming- 

 time, unless fretted a great deal. There she is ! I have 

 her now, — I'll throw this handkerchief over her to hide 

 her from the swarm, or they will follow her at once." 



" Let me have one look at her, if you please. — How 

 long and slender she is, — Mack hack, and yellow under 

 her belly, and — " 



" There, sir, now look at the commotion ! Do you 

 see how they run up and down the branch in every di- 

 rection, as if in search of something. Now they begin 

 to leave it, and if I don't return the queen, they will all 

 leave soon. — I've returned her. Now mark the effect." 



" They keep up the commotion, and the buzz of their 

 wings yet." 



" They will be calmed soon. Now see how tbey be- 



