146 
a few bees do not come out at a time, but nearly the 
whole swarm is suddenly in full flight. They alw.iys 
rush forth from the entrance like an issuing swarm in 
swarming time. The common bee is very soon over- 
taken by an Egyptian bee, in a race. The common or 
even Italian bee walks slowly and heavily over a comb, 
while an Egyptian runs as quickly from one side to the 
other as the comb can be turned around. Great activ- 
ity and agility are the characteristics of the Egyptian 
bees. 
Prof. A. Gerstaker, in concluding a very extensive 
treatise on the distribution of the honey-bee, observes 
that the most valuable variety for Europe would be the 
Egyptian — partly on account of their beauty, and 
partly because of their unwillingness to use their stings, 
which latter characteristic appears to be common to all 
African bees, and is also one of the recommendations 
of the Italian bee. The Syrian bee assimilates so 
closely to the Egyptian, that it may prove equally 
valuable. Next to these in value are the bees of the 
coast of Asia Minor. 
