IRRITABILITY OF BEES. 
279 
HOW TO PROCEED WHEN ATTACKED. 
Striking them down renders them ten times more 
furious. Not in the least daunted, they return to the 
attack. Not the least show of fear is perceived. Even 
after losing their sting, they obstinately refuse to 
desist. It is much the best way to walk as quietly as 
possible to the shelter of some bush, or to the house. 
They will seldom go inside of the door. 
a person’s breath offensive, and other causes. 
The breath of a person inside the hive, or among 
them, when clustered outside, is considered in the tri- 
bunals of their insect wisdom as the greatest indignity. 
A sudden jar, sometimes made by carelessly turning 
up the hive, is another. After being once thoroughly 
irritated in this way, they remember it for weeks, and 
are continually on the alert ; the moment the hive is 
touched, they are ready to salute a person’s face. 
When slides of tin or zinc are used to cut off the com- 
munication between the hives and boxes, some of the 
bees are apt to be crushed or cut in two. This they 
remember, and retaliate, as occasion offers ; and it may 
be when quietly walking in the apiary. 
THEIR MANNER OF ATTACK. 
I must disagree with any one who says we always 
have warning before being stung. I have been stung 
a few times myself. Two-thirds of them were received 
without the least notice — the first intimation was the 
“ blow.” At other times, when fully determined on 
vengeance, I have had them strike my hat and remain 
