SAGACITY OF THE BEE. 29 



almost total darkness, they are to be seen scouring the 

 country in all directions, extending their flight sometimes 

 to the distance of three or four miles, and returning not, until 

 their vesicle be filled with honey. As these incomparable 

 insects entertain a decided aversion from all filth and un- 

 cleanliness, it is impossible to witness a structure more 

 beautifully clean and neat, than is exhibited by the interior 

 of a hive. Nothing that has the slightest approach to 

 infection is allowed to remain in it j every dead bee is im- 

 mediately carried out of it, and the abortive brood is torn 

 from the cells and instantly removed from the hive. There 

 is scarcely any insect which has more enemies than the bee, 

 and they are generally of the most cunning and insidious 

 character, stealing into the hive under the coverture of dark- 

 ness, when they carry on their depredations without the fear 

 of detection. In regard to the snail and the mouse, the bees 

 often display a degree of sagacity which is truly wonderful 

 in so small an insect. A mouse stands a poor chance against 

 half a dozen bees; but having killed him, their united 

 strength is not able to drag him out of the hive, but rather 

 than endure the annoyance of his putrifying body, they will 

 cover it with a coat of wax, which completely prevents all 

 effluvia from ascending to the combs. 



The bee must not be considered as an offensive insect, 

 but almost universally acting upon the defensive. It is true 

 that it possesses the sagacity of discovering a weak hive, 

 and will attempt to pillage the property of its neighbours ; 

 but the very manner in which it goes about the business, 

 shows that it is perfectly aware that it is committing an act 

 of injustice. A pillaging bee, bold and resolute as he may 

 show himself in the defence of his own property, generally 

 shows himself a coward when he goes forth on a marauding 

 expedition. It must, however, be observed, that in propor- 

 tion as the weakness of a hive increases, so does also the 

 spirit diminish with which the bee is naturally prone to 



