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Atheists Eloquent apostrophy to (R. Hall Vol. 1, page 43)
Anger of Bees. I do not remember to have seen it noticed
by any writer, that bees never
make an attack when they are gorged
with honey, and yet a knowledge of this
fact is the foundation of many important
points in their management
Bees when they swarm fill themselves with honey and this is the reason why at this
time they are generally so peaceable. If any operation is to be performed upon
bees which will be likely to irritate them, they may be kept peaceable by sprinkling
them with honey or sugar water. A bee can [crossed out: never] [inserted: no more] resist the temptation to fill
itself with liquid sweets than miser could be indifferent to showers of gold
Allow them time to eat their fill and they will be as harmless as flies,
unless they are seized. Many persons are amazed to see a skillful operator
take a hive to pieces and transfer the bees to another hive with scarecely
a single sting, but as soon as the bees begin to lick up the remaining honey
they lose all disposition to act on the offensive. Whenever honey is taken from
them in boxes or glasses, [crossed out: they] [inserted: the bees] will fill themselves as soon as they perceive
that they are separated from the hive. Wait until they have done this and
run over the comb to find a place of escape, then allow them to leave and
they will fly directly to their hives without ever attempting to sting. In this
way a whole apiary may daily be deprived of surplus honey and not a single
sting be received, if the proper precautions are taken. Raising up the boxes and
exposing the bees to the light if it is done [inserted: quietly] without any jar, seems to take the bees
so much by surprise that they are not disposed to make an attack. I have
noticed that bees never make an attack away from their homes. They are
anxious to escape if attacked and will only stay if they are taken hold
of. Natural [illegible], freezing of water. May we not refer to this fact
in the natural history of the bee as a proof of a superintending providence. What
would become of a country if bees were as easily provoked away from their hives
as they are when protecting their homes? The farmer would have to clothe
himself and his cattle in a bee proof dress (Next page)