178 The Hiftory of Buss. 
Accordingly I proceed to the moft pleafant 
Part of this Hiftory, viz. Directions how 
to improve them in Colonies, and: preferve 
* them in common Hives. Only begging the 
Readers Leave to infert a thort Account of 
their Age, before I begin with the a 
and the Incorporations, 

$B GC Tee 
Of the Ace of Bees. 
YU YERE alfo I find Authors divided in 
| their Opinions. ‘The Life of Drones 
is fhort, being executed and caft out at the 
Queen’s Command; but the Queen being 
loft, I have known them live all the Win- 
ter with the common Bees, and not killed 
with Cold, contrary to what Authors affert. 
As to the Age of the Honey-Bees it is 
difputed. Some take them to be mere An- 
nuals; others there are; who tell us. they live 
many Years. 
_ By Succeffion it is true they tis feveral 
Years in Hives, as well as Colonies; as did 
the Bees under the Leads in Oxford over 
Ludovives Vives’s Study, where they conti- 
nued roo Years and more, from 1520 to 
Sages | 
a : Mr. 


