LETTERS ON ENTOMOLOGY. 75 
You must not think that this apparently pros- 
perous and powerful nation has no enemies; 
many beasts and birds have a particular taste 
both for them and their honey. Even frogs and 
toads are said to kill great numbers, and many 
fall into the water. Mice, in winter, often commit 
great ravages. Thorley once lost a stock by 
mice, which made a nest among the combs. The 
titmouse, according to the same author, will make 
a noise at the door of the hive, and when a bee 
comes out to see what is the matter, will seize 
and devour it. The swallows will assemble round 
the hives, and devour them like grains of corn. 
Bees will bear submersion nine hours, and when 
taken out of water will revive with proper heat. 
They are less active in winter, but not absolutely 
torpid ; for the heat in a hive is always great in 
the coldest weather. I believe I have given you 
the most interesting particulars relating to these 
insects, and I hope you will find in their history 
ample matter for reflection and admiration. — 
Adieu. 
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