280 
SUMMER. 
a moment endeavoring to effect their object. In this 
case, I have warning to hold down my face to protect 
it from the next attempt, which is quite sure to fol- 
low. As they fly horizontally, the face held in that 
position is not so liable to be attacked. When they 
are not so thoroughly charged with anger, they often 
approach in merely a threatening attitude, buzzing 
around very provokingly for several minutes in close 
proximity to our ears and face, apparently to ascertain 
our intentions. If nothing hostile or displeasing is 
perceived, they will generally leave ; but should a 
quick motion or offensive breath offend them, the 
dreaded result is almost sure to follow. Too many 
people are apt to take these threatening manifesta- 
tions as positive intentions to sting. When these 
things can be quietly endured, and at the same time 
leave their vicinity, it generally ends peaceably. They 
never make an attack while away from their home in 
quest of honey, or on their return, until they have 
entered the hive. It is only in the hive and its 
vicinity that we expect to meet this irascible tempera- 
ment, which should not be allowed, or at least may 
be subdued in a great measure, if not entirely, by 
doing things in a quiet manner, and by the use of 
tobacco smoke. Any person having the care of bees 
should go armed with this powerful weapon. As bees 
are not much affected with smoke, while flying in the 
air, but will have their own way, we must take them 
in the hive as the place to teach them a proper deport- 
ment! 
Those who are accustomed to smoking will find a 
