Of the Bees Enemies. 134 
’ Thave likewife oftentimes obferved them coming out 
of the colonies, no way hurt or wounded, but in full 
ftrength and vigour, at which time I have tena 
- many, and deftroyed them. . ~ 
* Mauft we not then conclude the account given by that 
author as the production of a very luxuriant fancy, or 
the effect’of great inadvertency ? 
Once more, what he writes of a grand feltival on the 
Queen's progrefs through all her dominions, and of form- — 
ing a large veil, behind which nothing can poffible be 
feen, and all in honour to her majefty’s proceffion, paf- 
fes with me more for fancy, than matter of fa. But I 
_ leave the reader to his liberty. : 
He‘alfo tells us of Bees in France, that journey three 
times a day two leagues from home; nay three leagues 
for agreeable provifion. Such furely are poffefled of 
fome very peculiar excellencies.* 
~The laft and worft enemies of all, are their moft in- 
grateful owners, who annually deftroy them by whole- 
fale. To prevent this practice to the utmoft of my 
power, I refer all my readers to the tenth chapter, which | 
it is hoped will at once fufficiently direct, and effeQually 
engage them in favour of fuch innocent, inftrudtive, di- 
ligent, faithful, and profitable creatures. 
Of ihe Age of Bees. 
HERE alfo I find authors divided in their opinions. 
The life of Drones is fhort, being executed and caft out 
at the Queen’s command ; but the Queen being loft, I 
® Nat Delin, Pp. 117+ have 
