36 THE HISTORY OF BEES. 
‘moufly determine, to facrifice their own lives in defence 
of their adored Sovereign’s. 
Without their head or chief they cannot reft, be eafy, 
or,in quiet, though in the midft of the greateft affluence 
and plenty; but are fo while with their Principal, even 
in the deepeft, moft diftreffing poverty, and will languifh 
and die rather than depart from her. 
In Fune 1715, paying a vifit to an honourable Lady 
in Gloucefterfbire, and taking a walk after dinner in the 
‘garden, fhe told me one of her ftocks had {warmed that 
day, and were hived ; I examined the hive, and finding, 
as I expected, only a few Bees in it, I advifed her to re- 
turn them to their fellows, where they would be of more 
fervice than if kept feparate and by themfelves. By her 
Ladyfhip’s permiffion I knocked one part of them down 
upon the erafs, and the remainder ata little diftance from 
the firft, taking that opportunity to feize the leader, 
which was eafily effected. I carried the beautiful crea- 
ture to the Lady, and other company then prefent, Af- 
ter a full view, they were all convinced this was the So- 
vereign. Having clipped the wings, I laid her down at 
a little diftance from one of the {quadrons, which were in 
perfect tumult and confufion, running to and fro, and 
{preading themfelves about the grafs, fearching for igh, 
loft Sovereign. 
When they found their leader, they gathered all to- 
gether, greatly rejoicing. 
I afterwards moved this Bee from place to place feve- 
ral times, till, by marches and countermarches, all the 
company 

