36 TRRATISE ON THE 
the rich nectar of flowers, they are frequently 
detected lapping the impure fluid from cor- 
rupted marshes, it has been hastily conclud- 
ed, that their sense of taste is very defective. 
Huber thought it the least perfect of the bee- 
senses, and instances their gathering honey 
even from poisonous flowers, and regaling 
themselves with fetid liquids. Now, with de- 
ference to this distinguished observer, it may 
be permitted, perhaps to defend our favorites 
from so injurious an imputation. We have 
prima facie evidence of the delicacy of their 
taste, in their eager activity in collecting their 
delicious stores of honey, secreted by the 
most fragrant flowers; and such is their ar- 
dor in these operations, that they defy the 
elements when the honey season is at its 
height, and, laying aside their usual fears of 
bad weather, boldly encounter wind and rain 
to get at their favorite fluid. Huber ac- 
knowledges, that when the lime-tree and 
black grain blossom, they brave the rain, de- 
part before sunrise, and return later dain or- 
dinary. But ee activity relaxes after the 
