BEES. 
59 
numerous, though so wild that they are not easy to 
be approached. They seldom fly, but run into the 
thickest parts of the jungles where it is impossible to 
follow them. The only way to obtain a shot at them 
is to watch just after daybreak at the edge of the 
forests, from which they come in great numbers to 
feed ; they are then easily killed. Like most of the 
game birds in these high regions, their plumage is 
richly varied and their flesh delicately flavoured. 
In our progress from the plains to Serinagur we 
were much struck with the simple manner in which 
the mountaineers manage their bees, and of these 
they generally possess numerous swarms. They de- 
vote great attention to them, repaying the labours 
of these industrious insects with great kindness and 
care. In this respect, if in no other, our rustics might 
learn from them a valuable lesson. As honey forms 
a favourite article of food among the Himalaya 
highlanders, they have a very extensive sale for it ; 
it is therefore with them a great article of internal 
commerce, in fact, the staple of their bazaars, where 
it always finds a ready vent. They obtain the honey 
without destroying the bees by means of a hollow 
cylinder of wood inclosed in the wall of their huts 
on the side most sheltered from the weather, and in 
which there is an opening without for the bees to 
enter. In the centre of this hive there is a move- 
able division which is kept open while the bees are 
making their honey ; but, as soon as the combs are 
full, the busy family is driven out by a noise made 
through the inward extremity. As soon as they have 
retreated, the central partition is closed and the combs 
