BEE PASTURAGE. 
99 
something like it ; but in this case the bees were in 
attendance instead of ants. 
This mode of elaborating honey, although not gen- 
erally collected by bees, perhaps may not be too much 
out of place here. Also, it may furnish a clue to the 
cause or substantiate some theory of honey-dew. 
These insects (Aphis) have been very appropriately 
termed “ ants’ cows,” as they are regarded by tliern- 
with the most tender care and solicitude. In July or 
August, when the majority of the leaves of our apple 
trees are matured, there is often a few sprouts or 
suckers about the bottom or trunk, that continue 
growing and putting out fresh leaves. On the under 
side of these, you will find the aphis by hundreds, of 
all sizes, from those just hatched to the perfect insect 
with wings. All appear to be engaged in sucking the 
bitter iuice from the tender leaf and stalk. The ants 
are among them by scores. (They are ofteri accused 
by the careless observer of the injury, instead of the 
aphis.) Occasionally there will issue from their ab- 
domen a small, transparent globule, which the ant is 
ever ready to receive. When a load is obtained it 
descends to the nest ; others may be seen going and 
returning continually. Many other kinds of trees, 
shrubs and plants are used by the ants as “ cow pas- 
ture,” and most kinds of ants are engaged in this dairy 
business.* Would the bees attend on the aphis for 
this secretion, (for it appears to be honey,) if the ant 
w r as not there first ? Or if there were no ants or bees, 
* The history of insects, as published by Harpers, gives more par- 
ticulars on tbisjnterestinis subject. 
