300 
FOREIGN BEES. 
that “ die office is no sinecure." Fortunately for 
the insect on duty, the population is small ; were it 
equal to that of a European hive, the task would 
be harder by twenty-fold. Like the domestic bee, 
they are fond of keeping their premises clear of all 
extraneous and offensive matter. A little paint was 
dropped at the entrance of a hive ; die sentinel 
carefully examined it, seemed to dislike it, and re- 
treated into the hive. In a few seconds it returned 
with a troop of companions, each loaded with a por- 
tion of wax, — probably a scale in a half liquid state ; 
— this they deposited on the soiled spot, repeating 
the operation till it was entirely covered, and the 
nuisance abated. (The interior of the hive of this 
bee is represented on PI. XXII.) 
We omitted to notice in their proper places, while 
enumerating the enemies of Exotic Bees, the Ratel 
and the European Bee-Eater, represented in Plates 
XXIX and XXX. The Ratel ( Vicerra mellivora, 
(M. rattellus of Fred. Cuv.) is an almost inseparable 
companion of the Honey-Guide, ( Indicator major ) 
in its exploratory excursions. It is an animal found 
near the Cape of Good Hope, and assisted by the 
above-named bird, this creature discovers and suc- 
cessfully attacks the bees in their subterraneous re- 
treats ; and after having appropriated the honied 
stores as its own peculiar prize, leaves to its assistant 
the combs filled with brood, which is 6aid to be the 
part of the plunder most valued by the bird. Both 
of the plunderers are protected from the stings of 
