278 
SUMMER. 
ranged, this industrious insect would probably have 
long since been extinct. 
TIME OF GREATEST IRRITABILITY. 
The season of their greatest caution, in this section, 
is August, during the flowers of buckwheat. It is 
then their stores are greatest. As soon as a stock is 
pretty well supplied with this world’s goods, like 
some bipeds, they become very haughty, proud, aris- 
tocratic, and insolent. A great many things are con- 
strued into insults, that in their days of adversity 
would pass unnoticed ; but now it is becoming and 
proper for their honor to show a “just resentment.” 
It behooves us, therefore, to ascertain what are con- 
sidered insults. 
PROPER CONDUCT. 
First, all quick motions, such as running, striking, 
&c., about them, are noticed. If our movements among 
them are slow, cautious, humble, and respectful, we 
are often let to pass unmolested, having manifested a 
becoming deportment. Yet the exhalations from 
some persons appear very offensive, as they attack 
them much sooner than others ; though I apprehend 
there is not so great a difference as many suppose. 
Whenever an attack is made, and a sting follows, the 
venom thus imparted to the air, if by only one. is 
perceived by others at some distance, which will im- 
mediately approach the scene, and more stings are 
likely to follow than if the first had not been. 
