416 
BEE. 
marjoram, buck-wheat, and several other plants, 
very little cultivated, but of a most delicate sap. 
You will find bees all the way from hence to my 
estate; and some curious observers are persuaded 
they have seen them, thrice in one day, take a jour- 
ney of a league and a half, or two leagues, to furnish 
their table to their palate.’ ” 
When the cold sets in, the bees become very 
quiet, and continue in their hives, huddled toge- 
ther, during the winter. They now reap the fruits 
of their industry, and open those cells of honey 
which they so carefully set apart in the summer, 
for their sustenance in time of need. It appears 
that their consumption of food is in proportion to 
the coldness of the season, and that, consequently, 
in a cold week they will eat more honey than when 
the weather is moderate. This was proved by Mr. 
Hunter, who made several experiments to ascertain 
the fact, and constantly found the result as stated 
above. 
In a fine open day, however, in the middle of 
winter, they become very lively and active, leaving 
the hive and flying about, as if they very much en- 
joyed the opportunity. 
The queen bee, either from her rarity, or from 
her dignified situation in the hive, has attracted 
general attention ; and every one wishes to see her, 
though she is by no means readily distinguished 
amongst the multitude. She confines herself very 
much to her cell, and seldom appears in public. 
Whenever she does, a number of bees follow in 
