290 SUMMER. 
supply, as well as frequent visits during the day. 
Should an unlucky worm be in sight just them 
while looking up a place for spinning a cocoon, or a 
moth reposing on some corner of the hive, their fate 
is at once decided. Before destroying this bird, it 
would be well to judge by actual observation as to 
facts ; otherwise we might “ destroy a friend instead 
of a foe.” 
TOAD GOT CLEAR. 
A toad is discovered near the hives, and forthwith 
he is executed as a bee-eater. “ He ought to be killed 
for his looks, if nothing else !” He is thus often sacri- 
ficed really on account of his appearance, while pre- 
tending he is a villain. It is true his “ feathers” will 
not vie in brilliancy with the plumage of the hum- 
ming-bird, and do not gratify ideality therefore he 
is dispatched. The next week the complaint is made 
that the little bugs, that he might have destroyed, 
“ have eaten up all the little cucumbers and cabbages.” 
His food is probably small insects. Whoever has 
seen him swallow bees, must have watched closer than 
I ever did. 
WASPS AND HORNETS NOT FAVORED. 
As for the frequent visits of the black-wasp in the 
sunny days of spring, but little can be said in their 
f avor — they seem to have no other object but to tease 
and irritate the bees. I never could discover that they 
entered the hive for the purpose of plunder. They 
have frequent battles with the bees, but I never saw 
