92 
BEE PASTURAGE. 
the stamens as the most conspicuous part of the flower, 
soliciting the embrace of the bee, by pouring out boun- 
teous libations more prized by our industrious insect 
than wine. . For several weeks they are allowed to 
partake of this exquisite beverage ; it is secreted at all 
hours and in all kinds of weather. When the morning/ 
is warm we often hear their cheerful humming among 
the leaves and flowers of this shrub, ere the sun ap- 
pears above the horizon. The gentle shower, sufficient 
to induce man to seek a shelter, is often unheeded by 
the bee when luxuriating among these flowers ; even 
white clover, important as it is in furnishing the great- 
est part of their stores, at this season, would be neglect- 
ed if there was only a full supply of this. Clover be- 
gins to blossom with the raspberry, and continues lon- 
ger. We have an insufficient supply (in this section) 
in most seasons. Red clover probably secretes as 
much honey as the white, but the tube of the corolla 
being longer, the bee appears to be unable to reach it. 
Yeti have seen a few at work even here, but it ap- 
peared like slow business. Sorrel, ( Rumex Acetosella,) 
the pest of many farmers, is brought under contribu- 
tion, and furnishes the precious dust in any quantity. 
Morning is the only part of the day appropriated to 
its collection. 
cXtnip, mother-wort, and hoarhound are sought after. 
Catnip, ( Nepeta Cataria,) Mother-wort,' (Leonurus 
Ccirdiaca,) and Hoarhound, ( Marruhium Vulgare,) about 
the middle of June, put forth their flowers, rich in 
sweetness, and like the Raspberry, the bees visit them 
