4 
CHAPTER II. 
THE BEE NATION. 
Eco7io77iy of the Hive — Active Life of Co77i77itmity — Co77tbs — 
Wo7'ker Bees — Pollen — Honey — Quee7is — D7'07ies — Fe7'tile 
Wo7'ke7's — La7'V(2 a7id Piipce — P7'ood Feedhig — Moulthig of 
Ski7i a7id Bowel — Cocoo7i Spi7i7ii7ig — Tra7isfor77iatio7is — 
Swar77ii7ig. 
Before we enter into a minute investigation of the 
anatomy and physiology of the honey bee, it will be 
well for us to get a general idea of the economy of the 
hive, and for this purpose we will select a prosperous 
colony at the commencement of the swarming season, 
in a movable comb hive, when it usually consists of a 
fertile queen, drones, and workers. 
If we stand outside such a hive, we shall see the 
workers, who represent the active life of the com- 
munity, leaving and entering it. 
Victor Rendu (142) has given an admirable 
description of the scene we are witnessing. He 
says : — 
‘The exterior of a hive gives the best idea of this 
people, essentially laborious. From sunrise to sunset, 
all is movement, diligence, bustle ; it is an incessant 
series of goings and comings, of various operations which 
begin, continue, and end, to be recommenced. Hundreds 
of bees arrive from the fields, laden with materials and 
provisions ; others cross them and go in their turn into 
the country. Here, cautious sentinels scrutinise every 
