104 The Honey-Makers 



" Bees, even by nature, are much different : for some are 

 most domestical and tame, and other again are altogether 

 wilde, uplandish and agrestial. Those former are much de- 

 lighted with the familiar friendship, custom and company 

 of men, but these can in no wise brook or endure them, 

 but rather keep their trade of Honey-making in old trees, 

 caves, holes, and in the ruders and rubbish of old walls and 

 houses." 



Doubtless, Columella was right where, speaking of differ- 

 ent kinds of bees, he says : — 



" But, nevertheless, the angry disposition of bees of a 

 better character is easily mitigated and softened by the 

 continual intervention of those who take care of the bee- 

 hives ; for they grow quickly tame when they are often 

 handled." 



One going among bees should be slow and deliberate, 

 making no quick motion ; and there is no doubt that bees 

 tolerate some people and will not be approached by others. 

 It has been suggested that the emanations of the body are 

 the cause of their dislike, which the following story told by 

 Bevan would seem to prove. 



" M. de Hofer, Conseilleur d'Etat du Grand Due de 

 Baden, had for years Ijeen a proprietor and admirer 

 of bees and rivalled Wildman in the power he possessed 

 of approaching them with impunity. He would at 

 any time search for the queen, and taking hold of her 

 gently, place her on his hand. But he was unfortunately 

 attacked with a violent fever and long confined by it. On 

 his recovery, he attempted to resume his favorite amuse- 

 ment among the bees, returning to them with all that 

 confidence and pleasure which he had felt on former 

 occasions ; when, to his great surprise and disappointment, 

 he discovered that he was no longer in possession of their 

 favor ; and that instead of being received by them as an 



