THEFTS. I73 



honey for their winter ftore ; reduced to 

 the choice of Jlarving or plundering, thofe 

 that are ftrong chiefly prefer the latter. 



This being determined on, they fend 

 spies to difcover the ftate of neighbouring 

 ftocks ; and fuch as are found to have but 

 few bees, but much honey, are concluded to 

 be proper obje&s for an attack. 



A few of the fpies for fevs;ral days dodge 

 about the doors, trying to get in to obtain 

 more certain knowledge of their ftrength 

 and riches ; but are driven away by the 

 powerful ftocks, who then plant guards at 

 their door, which the weak ftocks do not, 

 and therefore are the firft to be aflaulted. 

 The next day they return in force, and be- 

 gin a violent fiege ; and a defperate conflict 

 enfues, both within and without the hive, 

 neither fide giving quarter. 



The ftouteft warriors make a defperate 

 attempt, and ruih forward and feize the 

 queen ; knowing that, by difparching her, 

 inftant victory is the confequence ; for the 

 aflaulted bees always defift, and join the vic- 

 tors, the moment they are apprifed of their 

 queens death, become as one fraternity, 



and 



