Honey 199 



abundance that it is often thrown some distance in the form 

 of a fine spray. When a tree is covered with aphides this 

 honey-dew may frequently be seen raining down in a fine 

 drizzle, which falls upon the upper surface of the leaves be- 

 low, even on the ground and surrounding foliage, covering 

 everything with a sticky substance that collects the dust 

 and soon turns black, making the trees affected and every- 

 thing near them extremely disagreeable to touch or to look 

 at. There are many varieties of aphides, — some almost 

 transparent, light green, and delicate-looking, others dark 

 brown or reddish in hue. 



The bees are undoubtedly fond of this honey-dew and 

 collect it in large quantities. Some writers speak of it as 

 disagreeable in flavor and dark in color, while others speak 

 well of it, the difference probably depending upon the 

 species of aphis from which the honey was gathered. 



Bevan says, " During the time of a honey-dew more 

 honey will be collected in one week than will be afforded 

 by flowers in several," and recommends giving the bees 

 extra room in which to store this abundant harvest. 



That it is not everywhere considered disagreeable is 

 proven by the following couplet from Coleridge's " Kubla 



Khan " : — 



" He on honey-dew hath fed, 

 And drunk the milk of Paradise." 



The English country people deem it a deposit of the east 

 winds, and speak of it as John Hone3^-dew. 



Honey was formerly used instead of sugar to preserve 

 fruits and Butler has collected for us a number of the old 

 recipes, as appetizing to read as are most of the recipes of 

 Athenaeus. 



He tells us that, " Marmalade is thus made : First 

 boil your quinces in their skins till they be soft ; then 

 havino- pared and strained them, mix therein the like 



