ANGEK OF BEES. 
313 
the hive by tlieir pitiless companions. It is, however, a 
necessary law of their economy, that those who cannot 
work, shall not eat; nor is there anything in the nature 
of a bee, that can be benefitted by nursing the sick, while 
the noblest traits of humanity are often developed by the 
incessant care bestowed upon the weak and helpless. 
Huber has demonstrated, that bees have an exceedingly 
acute sense of smell, and that unpleasant odors quickly 
excite then- anger.* Long before his time, Butler said, 
“ Their smelling is excellent, whereby, when they fly aloft 
into the air, they will quickly perceive anything under 
them that they lilce, even though it be covered.” They 
have, therefore, a special dislike to those whose habits 
are not neat,f and who bear about them a perfume not in 
the least resembling 
“ Sabean odore 
From the spicy shores of Araby the blest.” 
A sweaty horse is detested by bees, and, when assailed 
by them, is often killed ; as, instead of running away, like 
most other animals, it will plunge and kick until it tails 
overpowered. The Apiary should be fenced in, to prevent 
horses and cattle from molesting the hives. 
Tlie sting of a bee, upon some persons, produces very 
painful, and even dangerotis effects. I h.ave often noticed 
that, while those, whose systems are not sensitive to the 
venom, are rarely molested by bees, they seem to take a 
malicious pleasure in stinging those upon whom their 
Strong perfumes, however pleasant to us, are disagreeable to bees; and Aris¬ 
totle observes, that they will sting those scented with them. I have known per- 
sons ignorant of this fact to be severely treated by bees. 
t Some persons, however elvnnly, are assaulted by bees as soon as they approach 
their hives, it is'related of a distinguished Apiarian that, after a severe attack 
of fever, he was never able U> bo on good terms with his bees. That they can 
readily perceive the slightest ditfcroncos in smell, is apparent from the fact that any 
number of colonies, fed from a common vessel, will bo gentle towards each other, 
while thev will aswall the first strange bee that alights on tlie feeder. 
J4 
