316 SYMPTOMS OF PILLAGE. 



entrance, and fly away with rapidity ; and finally, when a 

 bee of the hive recognises the daring robber, then may the 

 hive be considered as in great danger. These bees may be 

 called the foragers or the advanced guard, who are sent forth 

 to discover the most vulnerable point of the hive on which 

 the attack is intended to be made. Further, if on closely 

 examining the hive, a bee is perceived to dart upon one, or 

 upon a number of others which hover about the hive, and 

 that this bee, after having pursued his enemy returns imme- 

 diately to join his companions, and places himself with them 

 in a menacing posture, which is not difficult to be ascer- 

 tained by those, who are in the habit of watching the 

 motions of these extraordinary insects, the conclusion may 

 be instantly drawn, that this hive is threatened with pillage. 

 These bold and audacious robbers are seen to pass with an 

 astonishing rapidity before the entrance of the hives, where 

 the domiciliated bees are always on their guard against 

 their enterprise. Sometimes they alight with the greatest 

 effrontery in the very midst of those who guard the avenues, 

 and then take to their wings with the utmost precipitation ; 

 when they see some of the domiciliated bees, who have no 

 idea of taking a joke, pounce upon them, and, like the death- 

 head hussars, give no quarter to the enemy. 



At another time, when the robber delays his escape too 

 long, a bee of the hive catches him by the hinder leg ; and 

 yields not its hold until the intruder takes wing, dragging 

 his enemy after him. If, during this struggle, two or three 

 other bees should come to the assistance of their com- 

 panion, woe then to the robber ; he is seized by the legs and 

 wings, and he may deem himself fortunate indeed, if he 

 escape with his life. 



When these signs present themselves, the greatest fears 

 may then be entertained for the hive, and if, instead of one 

 or two bees hovering about it, a number are seen, dodging 

 here and there, the conclusion may then be drawn that the 



