70 Mr Cron on the Singular Treatment of a Queen Bee. 
into this swarm, and that it was the object of those in clasp- 
ing her so eagerly to destroy her. Yet were it certain that 
this idea is quite accurate, it seems fitted to shew, and 
that in a very interesting manner, that if common bees do at 
times put to death the queen bee, the mode of extermination 
they adopt is altogether distinct from what they pursue in re- 
gard to one another. They impetuously seize, it is true, with 
their feet and pincers on any part apparently of the royal per- 
son, clinging firmly to her, but yet in a sort of placid content- 
ment, making not the slightest use of their stings, as the dead 
body plainly indicated, it being extremely easy for any one fa- 
miliar with the subject to determine whether bees have perished 
of such wounds. 
But to put a period to these remarks, which can be interest- 
ing to those only who pursue with enthusiasm the study of 
these delightful insects, the entire subject may be resolved into 
the two following questions : If it was the queen of their own 
swarm which the bees thus held, what motive can be assigned 
for their conduct ; and why did they detain her for so fatal a 
length of time ? If, on the other hand, it was the queen bee 
belonging to the other hive, what end in thus acting can it be 
supposed they had in view ; or if their intentions were to de- 
stroy, why not despatch her with their stings instantly ? 
To these questions a careful consideration of the several cir- 
cumstances noticed in regard to this singular incident, will best 
afford a satisfactory answer. Fearful, how r ever, lest this paper 
be already of more than sufficient length, I forbear offering any 
farther observations, aware that those who are enthusiasts in 
the stu ly of bees will be extremely glad of these curious facts ; 
and I do not suppose that any but such will with any sort of 
patience bestow on them the trouble of perusal. 
