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diff --git a/old/67107-h/67107-h.htm b/old/67107-h/67107-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 29052c9..0000000 --- a/old/67107-h/67107-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,16195 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Honey-Bee, by Edward Bevan, M.D., a Project Gutenberg eBook. - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover_epub.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - -body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} - -p {margin-top: .75em; text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .75em; text-indent: 1.5em;} - -hr {width: 33%; color: #000; background-color:#000; - margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; - margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; clear: both;} - -hr.tb {width: 45%;} -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin: 2em auto;} -hr.full {width: 95%; height: 4px; margin: 2em auto;} -hr.r10 {width: 10%;} - -table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-collapse: collapse;} - -.pagenum {position: absolute; right: 3.5%; font-style: normal; /* prevent italics, etc. */ - font-size: small; text-align: right; color: #808080;} /* page numbers */ -.bdt {border-top: solid #000 1px;} -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} -.center {text-align: center; margin:0; text-indent: 0;} -.smaller {font-size: 0.8em;} -.big {font-size: 2.0em;} -.gesspert {letter-spacing: 0.125em;} -.tdl {text-align: left;} -.tdr {text-align: right;} -.tdr2 {text-align: right; padding-right:2em;} -.p0 {text-indent: 0;} -h1, h2, .caption1, .caption2, .caption3, .caption4 {font-weight: bold; text-align: center; text-indent: 0;} -h1, .caption1 {font-size:2.00em; margin-top: 1.5em;} -h2, .caption2 {font-size:1.50em; margin-top: 1em;} -.caption3 {font-size:1.25em; margin-top: 0.5em;} -.caption4 {font-size:1.15em; margin-top: 0.5em;} -.pmt4 {margin-top: 4em;} -.pmb4 {margin-bottom: 4em;} - -.mind1 {padding-left: 2em;} -.mind3 {padding-left: 3em;} -.mind5 {padding-left: 5em;} -.mind7 {padding-left: 7em;} -.mind9 {padding-left: 9em;} -.mind11 {padding-left: 11em;} - -/* Images */ - -.fig_center {margin: auto; text-align: center;} - -/* Transcriber notes */ -.trans_notes {background-color: #e6e6fa; color: black; padding:1.5em; - margin-bottom:5em;} - -/* Footnotes */ -.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} -.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} -.fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} - -/* Poetry */ -.poem {display: block; width: 30em; margin: auto; text-align: left;} -.poem br {display: none;} -.poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} -.poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} -.poem span.i1 {display: block; margin-left: 0.5em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} -.poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} -.poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} -.poem span.i8 {display: block; margin-left: 8em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} -.poem span.i10 {display: block; margin-left: 10em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - -sup {font-size: .6em; position: relative; top: 0.2em; left: 0.3em;} -.vtop {vertical-align:top;} -.vbot {vertical-align:bottom;} -.blockquot {display: block; width: 40em; margin: auto;} - - </style> - </head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Honey-Bee, by Edward Bevan</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Honey-Bee</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>Its Natural History, Physiology and Management</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Edward Bevan</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: January 5, 2022 [eBook #67107]<br /> -[Most recently updated: January 19, 2022]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Tom Cosmas produced from files generously provided by The Internet Archive and placed in the Public Domain. - <br />Revised by Richard Tonsing. - </p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HONEY-BEE ***</div> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 288px;"> -<img src="images/cover.png" width="288" height="450" alt="The Honey-Bee -- Edward Bevan" /> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">- i -</a></span></p> - - - - - -<p class="caption2 pmt4">THE</p> - - -<p class="caption1 pmb4">HONEY-BEE.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">- ii -</a><br /><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">- iii -</a></span></p> - - -<p class="caption2">THE HONEY-BEE.</p> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 533px;"> -<img src="images/frontispiece.png" width="517" height="600" alt="" /> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“What well appointed commonwealths! where each<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Adds to the stock of happiness for all;<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Wisdom’s own forums! where professors teach<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Eloquent lessons in their vaulted hall!<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Galleries of art! and schools of industry!<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Stores of rich fragrance! Orchestras of song!<br /></span> -<span class="i1">What marvellous seats of hidden alchymy!<br /></span> -<span class="i1">How oft when wandering far and erring long,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Man might learn truth and virtue from the BEE!”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="tdr2 smcap pmb4">Bowring.</span></p></div> -</div> - -<p class="pmb4"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">- iv -</a></span><br /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">- v -</a></span></p> - - -<p class="caption3">THE</p> - -<h1 class="gesspert">HONEY-BEE;</h1> - -<p class="caption4">ITS</p> - -<p class="caption3">NATURAL HISTORY, PHYSIOLOGY -AND MANAGEMENT,</p> - -<p class="caption4">BY</p> - -<p class="caption2 pmb4">EDWARD BEVAN, M.D.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="blockquot">“A bee amongst the flowers in spring, is one of the -cheerfullest objects that can be looked upon. Its life -appears to be all enjoyment: so busy and so pleased.”</div> - -<div class="blockquot tdr"><span class="smcap">Paley</span>.</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="center pmt4">LONDON:<br /> -BALDWIN, CRADOCK AND JOY.</p> - -<hr class="r10" /> - -<p class="center pmb4">1827.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">- vi -</a></span></p> - - -<p class="bdt" style="width:17em; margin: 4em auto; text-align: center">PRINTED BY RICHARD TAYLOR,<br /> -SHOE-LANE, LONDON.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">- vii -</a></span></p> - - -<p class="caption3 pmt4">TO</p> - -<p class="caption2">THE REV. RICHARD WALOND,</p> - -<p class="caption4 pmb4">RECTOR OF WESTON UNDER PENYARD AND<br /> -TREASURER OF THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH<br /> -OF HEREFORD.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p><i><span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>,</i></p> - -<p><i><span class="big">T</span>o whom can I with so much -propriety dedicate the following sheets as to -you, who, in the elegant retirement of private -life, have occupied so many of your leisure -hours in studying the œconomy and management -of Bees, and to whom, by the aid and -encouragement you have afforded me, is mainly -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">- viii -</a></span> -to be attributed the commencement, progress, -and completion of the work?</i></p> - -<p><i>I know of no one; and have therefore to request -that you will allow me to offer you this -public testimony of my gratitude and respect; -and believe me to be</i></p> - -<p class="tdr"><i>Your faithful and obliged friend,</i></p> - -<p class="tdr2"><i>EDWARD BEVAN.</i></p> - -<p>Woodland Cottage,<br /> - April 5th, 1827.</p></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">- ix -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="ADVERTISEMENT" id="ADVERTISEMENT">ADVERTISEMENT.</a></h2> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 55px;"> -<img src="images/bar_dot.png" width="55" height="14" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">T</span>he</span> work which is now submitted to the judgement -of the public, in addition to other faults with -which it will no doubt be justly chargeable, may -be thought by many to be defective in arrangement; -and if the author had aimed to produce a -purely scientific work, he would consider such -charge as being well founded: but in making a -humble attempt to afford a popular view of the -present state of apiarian knowledge, historical, -physiological and practical, he conceived that he -should most effectually attain his object by mingling -the different departments together, particularly -where the two former would serve to illustrate -or explain the rationale of the latter. Moreover, -his first intention was not to offer much more -to the public than is contained in Part I. of the -work; but the materials grew upon his hands, -and consequently after that part was modelled, he -was induced by the very great interest which was -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">- x -</a></span> -excited in his mind by the prosecution of his inquiries, -to exceed the limits which bounded his -original plan:—the result will be found in Part II. -The subject would have admitted of still further -extension; but to have increased the volume beyond -its present size would have been to defeat -one of the objects of the author, which was so -to compress his matter as to place his book -within the reach of as many as possible of those -to whom he flatters himself it may prove practically -useful. Should the public, however, require -a second edition, and sufficing reasons urge him -to place this series of bee-knowledge under distinct -heads, he will endeavour to re-model it, as -well as otherwise to improve it, by such alterations -as ingenuous criticism may suggest.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">- xi -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="INTRODUCTION" id="INTRODUCTION">INTRODUCTION.</a></h2> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 55px;"> -<img src="images/bar_dot.png" width="55" height="14" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">A</span>lthough</span> the great addition which has of -late been made to our knowledge of the honey-bee, -may seem to render a reference to ancient -writers comparatively unimportant; yet -a few prefatory observations, upon the rise -and progress of apiarian science, may not be -out of season.</p> - -<p>The natural history and management of -bees would probably occupy the attention of -man at an early period. Surrounded by -a boundless variety of living creatures, he -would naturally be led to notice their habits -and œconomy; and no part of the animal -world, or at any rate no part of the world of -insects, would be more likely to engage his -consideration than the honey-bee. Honey -would, in all probability, constitute one of -his earliest luxuries; and as he advanced in -civilization, he would, as a matter of course, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">- xii -</a></span> -avail himself of the industry of its collectors, -by bringing them as much as possible within -his reach; and by this means he would take -an important step towards an acquaintance -with entomology. But the progress made by -our earliest progenitors, in this or any other -science, is involved in the obscurity and uncertainty -necessarily appertaining to the infancy -of society.</p> - -<p>The first indications of attention to natural -history are contained in the Old Testament. -The interest which it excited in the mind of -<span class="smcap">Solomon</span>, evinces how highly it was esteemed -in his time. The records of its first progression -are however entirely lost, and no -regular history of this science exists prior to -the days of <span class="smcap">Aristotle</span>, who under the auspices -and through the munificence of his -pupil Alexander the Great, was enabled to -prosecute with the greatest advantage, for -the time in which he lived, his experiments -and inquiries into every department of natural -history. Alexander felt so strong a -desire to promote this object, that he placed -at the disposal of Aristotle a very large sum -of money, and in his Asiatic expedition -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiii" id="Page_xiii">- xiii -</a></span> -employed above a thousand persons in collecting -and transmitting to him specimens -from every part of the animal kingdom. -<span class="smcap">Aristotle</span> is therefore to be regarded as -having laid the first foundation of our knowledge -of that kingdom. He must likewise -have derived great advantages from the discoveries -and observations of preceding writers, -to whose works he would probably have -easy access. No individual naturalist could, -without such assistance, have produced so -valuable and extensive a work on natural science -as that which Aristotle has bequeathed -to posterity. And though the opinions of -himself and his contemporaries have been -transmitted to us in an imperfect manner, -and abound in errors, still he and his editor -<span class="smcap">Theophrastus</span> may be regarded as the only -philosophical naturalists of antiquity, whose -labours and discoveries present us with any -portion of satisfactory knowledge.</p> - -<p>The observations of Aristotle on the subject -of the honey-bee were afterwards “embellished -and invested with a species of divinity, -by the matchless pen of <span class="smcap">Virgil</span>,” in his -fourth Georgic; and it excites feelings of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiv" id="Page_xiv">- xiv -</a></span> -regret, that poetry which for its beauty and -elegance is so universally admired, should be -the vehicle of opinions that are founded in -error.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Aristomachus</span> of Soli in Cilicia had his -contemplations for nearly sixty years almost -solely occupied by bees; and <span class="smcap">Philiscus</span> the -Thracian spent a great portion of his time in -the woods, that he might investigate their -manners and habits without interruption; -whence he acquired the name of <i>Agrius</i>. -However small their contribution of knowledge -may appear to this enlightened age, -these ancient worthies must have aided the -early progress of their favourite science, and -are at all events evidences of the zeal with -which it was prosecuted in their day.</p> - -<p>About the commencement of the Christian -æra, <span class="smcap">Columella</span>, who was a very accurate -observer and exhibited considerable genius -as a naturalist, made some curious and useful -remarks upon bees in his Treatise <i>De Re -Rusticá</i>: but Columella, like Virgil, appears -to have acquiesced in and copied the errors -of his predecessors.</p> - -<p>After him the elder <span class="smcap">Pliny</span> gave a sanction -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xv" id="Page_xv">- xv -</a></span> -to the opinions which he found prevalent, -and added to them others of his own. But -Pliny, though a laborious compiler, occupied -himself with too great a variety of pursuits -to attain excellence in any. As a naturalist, -however, he is happy in some of his descriptions. -To him we are indebted for the transmission -to us of all that was actually known, -or supposed to be known, of natural history -in his day. I say—supposed to be known, for -many of the opinions and conjectures which -he has put forth, have been shown by modern -investigators to be ill-founded.</p> - -<p>The notions of the ancients respecting -natural philosophy rested on no rational -foundation; ideas of charms and of planetary -influence directed their most important pursuits, -and led to the formation of very absurd -theories. When the writer last named recommends -that the dust in which a mule has -rolled should be sprinkled on persons who -are violently in love, as a sovereign remedy -for amatory ardour, and gravely tells us that -snakes are sometimes produced from the -human medulla,—with much nonsensical stuff -of the like kind; we may safely pronounce -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xvi" id="Page_xvi">- xvi -</a></span> -that he or his contemporaries or both were -very credulous, and that the science of experimental -philosophy was scarcely cultivated -among them.</p> - -<p>After the compilation of Pliny’s vast Compendium, -nearly fourteen hundred years rolled -away without anything being done for entomology -or for natural history in general. -<span class="smcap">The Arabians</span>, who alone preserved a glimmer -of science during those dark ages that -succeeded the fall of the Roman empire, -cultivated natural history only as a branch of -medicine, and from their writings little can -be gleaned in furtherance of our present -object.</p> - -<p>On the revival of learning in the fifteenth -century, and after the discovery of the art of -printing, various editions were published of -the works on natural history, written by the Withers -of that science. <span class="smcap">Sir Edward Wotton</span>, -<span class="smcap">Conrade Gesner</span>, and others, produced conjointly -a work on insects, the manuscripts of -which came into the possession of <span class="smcap">Dr. Thomas -Penry</span>, an eminent physician and botanist -in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. After devoting -fifteen years to the improvement of the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xvii" id="Page_xvii">- xvii -</a></span> -work, the Doctor died, and the unfinished -manuscripts were purchased at a considerable -price by <span class="smcap">Mouffet</span>, a contemporary English -physician of singular learning, who with -great labour and at great expense arranged, -enlarged, and completed the work. When -nearly ready for the press, he also died; and -the papers, after lying buried in dust and -obscurity for several years, at last fell into the -hands of <span class="smcap">Sir Theodore Mayerne</span> (<i>Baron -d’Aubone</i>), a court physician in the time of -Charles the First, who gave them to the world -in 1634. The arrangement of this work is -defective; but for the period in which it was -written, it is a very complete and respectable -Treatise on Entomology. It was highly recommended -by Haller; and as a storehouse -of ancient entomological lore it has not yet -lost its utility. Its pages are embellished -with nearly 500 wood-cuts. An English -translation of it was published in 1658.</p> - -<p>According to Fabius Columma, <span class="smcap">Prince -Frederic Cesi</span>, president of the Roman -Academy of Sciences, wrote a treatise upon -bees; but the work has not been preserved, -and we are unacquainted with its merits.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xviii" id="Page_xviii">- xviii -</a></span></p> - -<p>These authors were succeeded by Goedart, -Swammerdam, Maraldi, Ray, Willughby -and Lister, who by their indefatigable exertions, -towards the close of the 17th century -threw very considerable light upon every -branch of natural knowledge. Goedart -spent forty years of his life in attending to -the proceedings of insects, “daily conversing -with insects,” as he expresses it, and published -in 1662 a work on their natural history; but -the plates with which it is embellished form -the best part of it. <span class="smcap">Swammerdam</span> published -his celebrated work, “A General History of -Insects,” in 4to, in 1669: a more enlarged -edition in two volumes folio, containing the -history of bees, was afterwards published -in 1737, under the auspices of Boerhaave, -from the manuscript of Swammerdam. Those -readers who have patience to wade through -these tedious volumes, will find it rewarded -by the attainment of much curious information. -<span class="smcap">Maraldi</span> published in the Memoirs of the -Royal Academy of Sciences for 1712, his -account of the manners, genius, and labours -of the bee. He is said to have been the inventor -of glass hives, and to that invention -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xix" id="Page_xix">- xix -</a></span> -may be attributed the success of his inquiries. -Swammerdam founded his system upon what -has been called the metamorphotic basis; and -<span class="smcap">Ray</span>, in conjunction with his friend <span class="smcap">Willughby</span>, -whom he calls the profoundest of -naturalists and the most amiable and virtuous -of men, erected his superstructure on -the same basis. In the <i>Historia Insectorum</i> -of Ray, evidently the joint production of himself -and <span class="smcap">Willughby</span>, especial attention is -paid to the Hymenoptera: it contains various -interesting observations on their manners -and characters; and the descriptions, in which -he was assisted by the use of very powerful -microscopes, are concise and well drawn. -<span class="smcap">Dr. Martin Lister</span>, in an appendix to -Ray’s work, and in various other writings -also, contributed materially to elucidate the -science of entomology. <span class="smcap">Madame Merian</span> -likewise deserves well, for her industrious -pursuit of this subject, particularly for her -beautiful illustration of the metamorphoses of -insects in Surinam.</p> - -<p>The French natural historian <span class="smcap">Reaumur</span> -stands prominent among the students of entomology, -for the unsurpassed enthusiasm and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xx" id="Page_xx">- xx -</a></span> -accuracy with which he has investigated some -of its most intricate parts. To him the genus -Apis is under greater obligations perhaps -than to any entomologist either of ancient or -modern times. See his immortal work, -"Memoires pour servir à l’Histoire des Insectes," -in 6 vols. 4to. 1732-1744.</p> - -<p>About this period also flourished the great, -the illustrious <span class="smcap">Linnæus</span>, whose labours diffused -light over every department of natural -science, and have justly caused him to be regarded -as one of its brightest ornaments. He -has generally been considered as the founder -of the artificial system of arrangement; but a -very near approach to it was made by that -brilliant constellation of naturalists whom I -have enumerated as having flourished at the -close of the 17th century, and who may probably -be regarded as having paved the way, -and prepared materials, for the formation of -his more perfect system.</p> - -<p>Afterwards appeared the works of the celebrated -<span class="smcap">Bonnet</span> of Geneva, the admiring -correspondent of Reaumur, and the patron -and friend of Huber. This great physiologist -became addicted to the study of entomology -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxi" id="Page_xxi">- xxi -</a></span> -before he was seventeen years of age, -from reading <i>Spectacle de la Nature</i>; and his -decisive experiments upon Aphides do him the -highest credit. His works are universally -admired for their candour and ingenuity, as -well as for their manifest tendency to promote -the happiness of man, by exciting in him -the love of knowledge and virtue.</p> - -<p>We now come to the physiological discoveries -of <span class="smcap">Schirach</span>, <span class="smcap">Hunter</span> and <span class="smcap">Huber</span>, -men who have wonderfully advanced the science -of entomology, by a series of experiments -most ably conducted, by the most -patient investigation, and the most accurate -and enlightened observation, and placed it -upon the solid foundation of rational induction.</p> - -<p>Several other writers also, both in systematic -works and in periodical publications, -have contributed to throw much light upon -the œconomy and habits of the bee. Of the -latter description in our own country may be -enumerated <span class="smcap">Arthur Dobbs</span>, Esq.; <span class="smcap">Thomas -Andrew Knight</span>, Esq.; Sir <span class="smcap">C. S. Mackenzie</span>, -and the <span class="smcap">Rev. W. Dunbar</span>.</p> - -<p>Hitherto I have referred to the writers on -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxii" id="Page_xxii">- xxii -</a></span> -natural history in general, or to the natural -historians of bees in particular: many writers, -however, have paid great attention to the domestic -management of these insects. Their -culture is indeed an object highly deserving -the attention of the agriculturist as well as -of the natural philosopher. In the hands -of a judicious and moderately attentive apiarian, -they may become a profitable branch -of rural œconomy: even the most humble -cottager may be made to participate in the -benefit of an improved mode of managing -them: and as there is so much to admire in -their general œconomy and peculiar habits, -the man of leisure may secure to himself a -source of pleasing and rational amusement -in the possession of an Apiary; for the pursuit -of apiarian science, in common with the -study of other branches of natural history, -leads to a salutary exercise of the mental faculties, -induces a habit of observation and -reflection, and may sometimes prove a valuable -resource for keeping off that <i>tædium -vitæ</i>, but too frequently attendant upon a -relinquishment of active life. No pleasure -is more easily attainable, nor less alloyed by -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxiii" id="Page_xxiii">- xxiii -</a></span> -any debasing mixture; it tends to enlarge -and harmonize the mind, and to elevate it to -worthy conceptions of Nature and its Author:</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i10">"The men<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Whom Nature’s works can charm, with God himself<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Hold converse; grow familiar, day by day.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">With his conceptions; act upon his plan.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And form to his the relish of their souls.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Akenside.</span></p></div> - -<p>In the following Treatise it has been my -endeavour to combine, as much as possible, -the profitable with the instructive and amusing; -in seeking which object, I have endeavoured -to clear the ground before me, of the -wild-flowers of conjecture and hypothesis, -with which the fecundity of the human imagination -has strewed it, and to substitute in -their place the less showy but more useful -products of experiment and rational deduction, -the growth of which it should be the -object of every labourer in the field of science -to promote. Always bearing in mind that -false theories often lead to erroneous practices, -I have carefully abstained from an indulgence -in theory of a merely speculative -kind, and confined myself simply to offering -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxiv" id="Page_xxiv">- xxiv -</a></span> -such opinions to the attention of my readers, -as have been confirmed by repeated experiment -and observation, and to the recommendation -of such practices as have been found -useful by myself, or by others on whose reports -I can place the fullest reliance.</p> - -<p>Among the writers who have improved -the domestic management of bees, may be -enumerated <span class="smcap">Warder</span>, <span class="smcap">White</span>, <span class="smcap">Thorley</span>, -<span class="smcap">Wildman</span>, <span class="smcap">Keys</span>, <span class="smcap">Bonner</span> and <span class="smcap">Huish</span>, all -of whom have devoted many years of their -lives to this important object. Persevering, -however, as have been the efforts of the before-named -writers to obtain an accurate -knowledge of the physiology of bees, and to -discover the best plan for their management, -there is still much to be learned in both these -departments, before the former can be thoroughly -understood, or the latter satisfactorily -regulated. I do not presume to imagine that -I can throw much light upon either of these -topics; but, judging from the difficulties which -I have myself encountered in collecting the -scattered materials of apiarian science, I think -that I shall confer a benefit upon future inquirers, -if I enable them to possess within a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxv" id="Page_xxv">- xxv -</a></span> -moderate compass such information as can be -relied on. Strongly impressed by the importance -of the subject, I have for several -years devoted much of my time to its consideration; -and independently of the pleasure -I have experienced in the prosecution of it, -as a most interesting branch of natural history, -I have considered that by contributing -to extend and improve the culture of the bee, -I should assist in converting to useful purposes -some portions of those products of the -earth which might otherwise be dissipated in -the air, washed away by the rain, or chemically -changed by the action of various surrounding -substances, and in either case be -rendered comparatively useless.</p> - -<p>Many of the tracts on bees are professedly -written for the perusal of the cottager. -To him I do not so particularly address myself, -as to the more intelligent members of the -community; and so far as I am able to succeed -in making an impression upon them, I -shall consider myself as virtually benefiting -the cottager. The latter is generally too -much of a machine to be the first to adopt any -improvement, however important; he is more -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxvi" id="Page_xxvi">- xxvi -</a></span> -likely therefore to obtain bee-knowledge from -the example or <i>vivâ voce</i> instruction of his -enlightened neighbours, than through the -direct medium of the press.</p> - -<p>How far I may have succeeded in the object -I propose to myself, I must leave to the -decision of my readers. It seems to be generally -admitted, that a Treatise exhibiting a -concise view of the present state of our knowledge -of the bee is much wanted; and this result -of an attempt to supply that desideratum -I now offer to the public, with a hope that it -may not be unworthy of its notice.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="caption3"><a name="CORRIGENDA" id="CORRIGENDA">CORRIGENDA.</a></p> - - -<table summary="Corrections"> -<tr> - <td class="smaller">Page.</td> - <td class="tdl smaller" colspan="2">Line.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><a href="#Page_193">193</a>,</td> - <td class="tdr">17, </td> - <td class="tdl">for <i>lives</i> read <i>hives</i>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl vtop"><a href="#Page_228">228</a>,</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">2, </td> - <td class="tdl">after “higher flavour” add “and in its never - candying, nor even losing its fluidity by long keeping.”</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p class="center">[Transcriber Note: Above changes were made to text.]</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxvii" id="Page_xxvii">- xxvii -</a></span></p> - - -<h2>TABLE OF CONTENTS.</h2> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 55px;"> -<img src="images/bar_dot.png" width="55" height="14" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="caption3">PART I.</p> - -<table style="width: 30em;" summary="Part II"> -<tr> - <td class="center smaller">Chap.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="smaller">Page.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">I.</td> - <td class="tdl">The History and Physiology of the Bee</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">1</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">II.</td> - <td class="tdl">The Apiary</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">47</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">III.</td> - <td class="tdl">The Bee-house</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">52</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">IV.</td> - <td class="tdl">Pasturage</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">55</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">V.</td> - <td class="tdl">Honey-dew</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">71</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">VI.</td> - <td class="tdl">The Purchase of Bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">80</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">VII.</td> - <td class="tdl">Bee-boxes</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">83</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">VIII.</td> - <td class="tdl">Bee-hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">95</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">IX.</td> - <td class="tdl">Comparative Advantages of Wooden Boxes and Straw Hives</td> - <td class="tdr vbot"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">100</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">X.</td> - <td class="tdl">Leaf Hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">102</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XI.</td> - <td class="tdl">Dividers</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">107</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XII.</td> - <td class="tdl">Storifying</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">109</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XIII.</td> - <td class="tdl">Swarming</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">115</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XIV.</td> - <td class="tdl">Comparative Advantages of Storifying and Single-hiving</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">122</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XV.</td> - <td class="tdl">Symptoms which precede Swarming</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">127</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XVI.</td> - <td class="tdl">Hiving of Swarms</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">136</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">XVII.</td> - <td class="tdl">On removing Bees from common Straw Hives to Storifying - Hives or Boxes</td> - <td class="tdr vbot"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">148</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XVIII.</td> - <td class="tdl">Super- and Nadir-hiving by means of Binders</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">151</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XIX.</td> - <td class="tdl">Uniting Swarms or Stocks</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">154</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xxviii" id="Page_xxviii">- xxviii -</a></span> - XX.</td> - <td class="tdl">Proper Periods of Deprivation</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">162</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXI.</td> - <td class="tdl">Taking Money by means of Dividers</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">167</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXII.</td> - <td class="tdl">The Bee-dress</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">176</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXIII.</td> - <td class="tdl">Feeding</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">179</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXIV.</td> - <td class="tdl">Diseases of Bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">184</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXV.</td> - <td class="tdl">Enemies of Bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">199</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXVI.</td> - <td class="tdl">Exotic Bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">210</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXVII.</td> - <td class="tdl">Separation of Wax and Honey</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">216</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXVIII.</td> - <td class="tdl">Wax</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">220</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXIX.</td> - <td class="tdl">Honey</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">226</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXX.</td> - <td class="tdl">Mead</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">236</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<p class="caption3">PART II.</p> - -<table style="width: 30em;" summary="Part II"> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXXI.</td> - <td class="tdl">The Anatomy of Bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">249</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXXII.</td> - <td class="tdl">Senses of Bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">302</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXXIII.</td> - <td class="tdl">Instincts of Bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">318</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXXIV.</td> - <td class="tdl">On the Architecture of Bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">339</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXXV.</td> - <td class="tdl">An Inquiry into the Source and Nature of Bees-wax</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">356</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXXVI.</td> - <td class="tdl">Pollen</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVI">370</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXXVII.</td> - <td class="tdl">Propolis</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVII">375</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXXVIII.</td> - <td class="tdl">Importance of Bees to the Fructification of Flowers</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVIII">380</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">- 1 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<p class="caption3 pmt4">A GENERAL VIEW</p> - -<p class="caption4">OF THE</p> - -<p class="caption3">HISTORY AND PHYSIOLOGY</p> - -<p class="caption4">OF</p> - -<p class="caption1 gesspert">THE BEE.</p> - - - <hr class="tb" /> - - -<p class="caption2">PART I.</p> - - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 55px;"> -<img src="images/bar_dot.png" width="55" height="14" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER II.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">HISTORY AND PHYSIOLOGY.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">T</span>he Bee</span> is considered by Naturalists as belonging; -to what are called perfect societies of insects, -and, in entomological arrangements, is placed in -the order Hymenoptera, genus Apis. Of this -genus there are many species; Linnæus has enumerated -55; in the Dictionnaire des Sciences -Naturelles 70 species are characterized; and Mr. -Kirby, in his Monographia Apum Angliæ, has -described above 220, natives of England. The -species to which I shall principally call the attention -of my readers is the <i>domestic</i> <span class="smcap">honey-bee</span>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">- 2 -</a></span></p> - -<p>Every association of bees comprises three descriptions -of individuals; and each description is -distinguished by an appearance and cast of character -peculiar to itself.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“First of the throng and foremost of the whole,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">One ‘stands confest the sovereign and the soul.’”<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>This couplet may, to a limited extent, be applied -to other kinds of bees; but it is more peculiarly -applicable to hive-bees, as amongst them there -has never been found, in any single family, more -than one acknowledged regnant chief, usually designated -by the name of Queen; of whom, as -having the highest claim to our attention, I shall -first proceed to speak.</p> - -<p>The <span class="smcap">queen</span>, who is at once the mother and the -mistress of the hive, differs, as Mr. Hunter has -observed, from the royal chiefs of other insects, -such as hornets, wasps and humble-bees; for the -chiefs of these latter societies seem to <i>work themselves -into royalty</i>, whereas the queen of the hive-bees -<i>reigns from her very birth</i>. She is distinguishable -from the rest of the society by her majestic -movements, by the great length of her body, -the proportional shortness of her wings, and her -bent sting. Her body tapers gradually to a point, -her fangs are shorter, her head is rounder, and her -trunk not half so long as that of the working bee. -Her wings extend only half the length of her -body, but are strong and sinewy. Her colours -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">- 3 -</a></span> -also distinguish her as much as her shape; they -are much more distinct; the back is of a much -brighter black; the concentric rings on the under -side of her body are darker, and the lighter interstitial -part of the same region appears of a brighter -and more lively hue. The legs also are of a deep -golden yellow colour.</p> - -<p>Next in order come the <span class="smcap">working bees</span>: these -are, by some, called <i>neuters</i> or <i>mules</i>; by others, -<i>female non-breeders</i>. From what will be said hereafter, -I think that my readers will consider the -latter as the more appropriate title, the workers -being sterile females with undeveloped ovaries. -In a single hive the number of these varies from -12,000 to 20,000: they are the smallest members -of the community, are furnished with a long flexible -proboscis, have a peculiar structure of the -legs and thighs, on the latter of which are small -hollows or baskets, adapted to the reception of -the propolis and farina which they collect, and -they are armed with a straight sting. Upon them -devolves the whole labour of the colony; they -rear the young, guard the entrances, elaborate the -wax, collect and store the provision, and build -the cells in which it is warehoused, as well as -those that contain the brood.</p> - -<p>Thirdly, there are the <span class="smcap">drones</span> or <span class="smcap">males</span>, to the -number of perhaps 1500 or 2000. These make -their appearance about the end of April, and are -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">- 4 -</a></span> -never to be seen after the middle of August, excepting -under very peculiar circumstances which -will be stated hereafter. They are one-third -larger than the workers, somewhat thicker and of -a darker colour; they have a shorter proboscis -and are more blunt at the tail than either the -queen or the workers; the last ring of the body -is fringed with hairs, extending over the tail and -visible to the naked eye. They make a greater -noise in flying and have no sting; are rather -shorter than the queen but much larger. Underneath -the tail two small protuberances of a yellowish -colour may be seen, which are regarded as the -distinctive marks of their sex. In some swarms -no drones are observable: probably these are -first swarms, which, being always led off by old -queens, have no occasion for drones, if there be -any truth in the theory to be hereafter stated.</p> - -<table summary="bees"> -<tr> - <td class="center" colspan="2"><img src="images/_queen.png" width="134" height="146" alt="" /><br /> - <div class="center"><i>Queen.</i></div></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="center"><img src="images/_drone.png" width="136" height="153" alt="" /></td> - <td class="center"><img src="images/_worker.png" width="109" height="137" alt="" /></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="center"><i>Drone.</i></td> - <td class="center"><i>Worker.</i></td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">- 5 -</a></span></p> - -<p>Contrary to what occurs in the human species -and in other parts of the animal creation, among -bees, the females alone exhibit activity, skill, diligence -and courage, whilst the males take no part -whatever in the labours of the community, but are -idle, cowardly and inactive, and possess not the -usual offensive weapon of their species. The only -way in which the drones promote the welfare of -the society is a sexual one; and I shall endeavour -to show, in the course of this chapter, that they -serve no other purpose than that of impregnating -such of the young queens as may lead forth swarms -in the season, or be raised to the sovereignty of -the parent hive. As the drones are “never seen -settling on any kind of flowers, nor laying up -honey in the cells, they most probably feed at -home, and fully answer the description given of -them by the poet:”</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Immunisque sedens aliena ad pabula fucus.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Virgil.</span></p> -</div> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i8">“Their short proboscis sips<br /></span> -<span class="i1">No luscious nectar from the wild thyme’s lips,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">From the lime’s leaf no amber drops they steal,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Nor bear their grooveless thighs the foodful meal:<br /></span> -<span class="i1">On others toils, in pamper’d leisure thrive<br /></span> -<span class="i1">The lazy fathers of th’ industrious hive.”<br /></span> -<span class="i0">“Yet oft, we’re told, these seeming idlers share<br /></span> -<span class="i1">The pleasing duties of parental care.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">With fond attention guard each genial cell,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And watch the embryo bursting from its shell.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span><a name="FNanchor_1" id="FNanchor_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a></p> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1" id="Footnote_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> The elegant writer from whose unfinished poem, “The -Bees,” I have made the above quotations, was for many -years an eminent physician in Shrewsbury, but has now -retired into Wales, where I hope he will find sufficient leisure -and encouragement to resume the truly classical theme -which he has so nearly completed. Of the three parts which -have been already published, I shall frequently avail myself -in the course of this treatise, as well as of the highly interesting -notes which are appended to them.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">- 6 -</a></span></p></div> - -<p>Mr. Morris of Isleworth, in the Transactions -of the Society for the encouragement of Arts, &c. -for 1791, gives it as his opinion that the drones -“<i>sit upon the eggs</i>, as the mother lays them;” and -says that he has “often seen them sit in a formal -manner on the combs, when the brood is hatching, -while the other bees were very busy at work.” -I suspect that Mr. Morris mistook <i>sleeping</i> for -<i>brooding</i>, and that the drones were only taking a -nap. Fabricius says that insects never sit on their -eggs. Messrs. Kirby and Spence, however, have -observed that the female ear-wig does: they also -make one other exception in favour of the field -bug (<i>Cimex griseus</i>), but add that these are the -only ones. De Geer has given a very interesting -account of both these insects, particularly of the -strength of parental affection exhibited by the -females. The female of the former assiduously -sits upon her eggs, as if to hatch them, and after -they are hatched, broods over the young as a hen -over young chickens. And when the eggs of the -latter are hatched, she also, after the manner of a -hen, goes about with the brood, consisting of thirty -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">- 7 -</a></span> -or forty in number and never leaves them: they -cluster round her when she is still, and follow her -closely wherever she moves.</p> - -<p>Besides the three essential members of the bee -community, which I have just described, Huber -has called the attention of the Apiarian to a fourth -kind, which appear to be only casual inmates of -the hive, from which however they are soon expelled -by the workers. He has called them <i>black -bees</i>, and says he first noticed them in two of his -hives, in the year 1809, and on several other occasions -from that time to the year 1813. They -present a perfect resemblance to the working bees, -excepting in their colour, which, in consequence of -their being less downy, appears darker. On dissection, -their internal structure also appears to be -the same. Huber regards them as imperfect bees, -but leaves to future naturalists an inquiry into -their nature and origin. Messrs. Kirby and Spence -have thrown out a conjecture that these black bees -may be <i>superannuated bees</i>, that being no longer -capable of contributing towards the labours of the -community, are banished or destroyed by its -younger members. They found their conjecture -upon the usual effect of superannuation in rubbing -off the hair of insects and thereby giving -them a darker hue.</p> - -<p>It is the office of the queen-bee to lay eggs, -which she deposits in cells constructed for their -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">- 8 -</a></span> -reception by the working bees. These cells vary -from one another in size, (and in the instance of the -royal cells, they also vary in form), according as -they are intended to be the depositories of eggs -that are to become drones, or of those that are -to become workers. But for a more particular -account of these cells, <i>Vide</i> Part II. "<a href="#Architecture">Architecture -of Bees</a>." The Rev. W. Dunbar, minister -of Applegarth, who has recently added some important -particulars to our general stock of knowledge -respecting bees, states that when the queen -is about to lay, she puts her head into a cell, and -remains in that position for a second or two, probably -to ascertain its fitness for the deposit which -she is about to make. She then withdraws her -head, and curving her body downwards, inserts -her tail into the cell: in a few seconds she turns -half round upon herself and withdraws, leaving an -egg behind her. When she lays a considerable -number, she does it equally on each side of the -comb, those on the one side being as exactly opposite -to those on the other, as the relative position -of the cells will admit. The effect of this is -to produce a concentration and œconomy of heat -for developing the various changes of the brood. -The following sketch is taken from a plate given -by Mr. Dunbar in the Edinburgh Philosophical -Magazine, to represent the comb upon which his -observations were made, and to show that part of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">- 9 -</a></span> -it which was occupied by brood, the surrounding -part of the square being full of sealed honey.</p> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 221px;"> -<img src="images/page9.png" width="221" height="160" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>The <i>eggs</i> of bees are of a lengthened oval shape, -with a slight curvature, and of a blueish white -colour: they are composed of a thin membrane, -filled with a whitish liquor, and being besmeared, -at the time of laying, with a glutinous substance, -they adhere to the bases of the cells, where they -stand upright, and remain unchanged in figure or -situation for four days; they are then hatched, -the bottom of each cell presenting to view a small -white worm or maggot, with several ventral rings. -On its growing, so as to touch the opposite angle -of the cell, it coils itself up in the shape of a semicircle, -and floats in a whitish transparent fluid, by -which it is probably nourished and enlarged in its -dimensions, till the two extremities touch one another -and form a ring. In this state it obtains indifferently -the name of <i>worm</i>, <i>larva</i>, <i>maggot</i> or <i>grub</i>, -and is fed with farina or bee-bread, to receive the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">- 10 -</a></span> -welcome morsels of which, it eagerly opens its two -lateral pincers. It is the opinion of Reaumur and -others that farina does not constitute the sole food -of the bee-larvæ, but that it consists of a mixture -of farina with a certain proportion of honey and -water, partly digested in the stomachs of the <i>nursing</i><a name="FNanchor_2" id="FNanchor_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[B]</a> -<i>bees</i>, the relative proportions of honey and -farina varying according to the age of the young. -It is insipid whilst they are very young, and becomes -sweeter and more acescent the nearer they -approach maturity.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_2" id="Footnote_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2"><span class="label">[B]</span></a> For an account of these see Part II. “Nature and -Origin of Bees-wax.”</p></div> - -<p>Schirach imagined that the semen of the male -was the food of the larvæ: Bonnet entertained -the same opinion, founded upon his observation -that the drones, in going across the combs, pass -by those cells that contain no maggots, but stop -at those which do, giving a knock with the tail at -them three times. Upon this Mr. Hunter observes -that <i>three</i> is a famous number! and we know very -well that the development is complete in hives -that do not contain a single drone.</p> - -<p>The larva having derived support in the manner -above described, for four, five or six days, -according to the season<a name="FNanchor_3" id="FNanchor_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[C]</a>, continues to increase -during that period, till it occupies the whole -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">- 11 -</a></span> -breadth and nearly the length of the cell. The -nursing-bees now seal up the cell, with a light -<i>brown</i> cover, externally more or less <i>convex</i>, (the -cap of a drone-cell is more convex than that of a -worker,) and thus differing from that of a honey-cell, -which is <i>paler</i> and somewhat <i>concave</i>. It is -no sooner perfectly inclosed than it begins to labour, -alternately extending and shortening its -body, whilst it lines the cell by spinning round -itself, after the manner of the silk-worm, a whitish -silky film or <i>cocoon</i>, by which it is encased, as it -were, in a pod or pellicle. “The silken thread -employed in forming this covering, proceeds from -the middle part of the under lip, and is in fact -composed of two threads gummed together as -they issue from the two adjoining orifices of the -spinner<a name="FNanchor_4" id="FNanchor_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">[D]</a>.” When it has undergone this change, -it has usually borne the name of <i>nymph</i> or <i>pupa</i>.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_3" id="Footnote_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3"><span class="label">[C]</span></a> Schirach asserts, that in cool weather the development -takes place two days later than in warm.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_4" id="Footnote_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4"><span class="label">[D]</span></a> Kirby and Spence.</p></div> - -<p>It may appear somewhat extraordinary that a -creature which takes its food so voraciously prior -to its assuming the pupa state, should live so long -without food, after that assumption: but a little -consideration will perhaps abate our wonder; for -when the insect has attained the state of pupa, it -has arrived at its full growth, and probably the -nutriment, taken so greedily, is to serve as a store -for developing the perfect insect.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">- 12 -</a></span></p> - -<p>The bee, when in its pupa state, has been denominated, -but improperly, <i>chrysalis</i> and <i>aurelia</i>; -for these, as the words import, are of a golden -yellow colour and they are crustaceous; whilst -the bee-nymphs appear of a pale, dull colour, and -readily yield to the touch. The golden splendour, -to which the above names owe their origin, is -peculiar to a certain species only of the papilio or -butterfly tribe. The higher class of entomologists, -following the example of Linnæus, apply -the term pupa to this state of the embryo bee, a -term which signifies that the insect is enveloped -in swaddling clothes like an infant, a very apt -comparison. Kirby and Spence have remarked -that it exhibits no unapt representation of an -Egyptian mummy. Huber’s translator says that -naturalists of the present day incline to use the -name of larva, in all cases where the worm is not -seen under its final aspect.</p> - -<p>The <i>working bee-nymph</i> spins its cocoon in -thirty-six hours. After passing a certain period in -this state of preparation for a new existence, it gradually -undergoes so great a change, as not to wear -a vestige of its previous form, but becomes armed -with a firmer mail, and with scales of a dark brown -hue, fringed with light hairs. On its belly six -rings become distinguishable, which by slipping -one over another, enable the bee to shorten its -body whenever it has occasion to do so; its breast -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">- 13 -</a></span> -becomes entirely covered with gray feather-like -hairs, which as the insect advances in age assume -a reddish hue.</p> - -<p>When it has reached the twenty-first day of its -existence, counting from the moment the egg is -laid, it quits the exuviæ of the pupa state, comes -forth a perfect winged insect, and is termed an -<i>imago</i>. The cocoon or pellicle is left behind and -forms a closely attached and exact lining to the -cell in which it was spun: by this means the breeding-cells -become smaller, and their partitions -stronger, the oftener they change their tenants; -and when they have become so much diminished -in size, by this succession of pellicles or linings, -as not to admit of the perfect development of full-sized -bees, they are converted into receptacles for -honey.</p> - -<p>Such are the respective stages of the working -bee; those of the royal bee are as follow. She -passes three days in the egg and is five a worm; -the workers then close her cell<a name="FNanchor_5" id="FNanchor_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5" class="fnanchor">[E]</a>, and she immediately -begins spinning the cocoon, which occupies -her twenty-four hours. On the tenth and eleventh -days, as if exhausted by her labour, she remains in -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">- 14 -</a></span> -complete repose, and even sixteen hours of the -twelfth. Then she passes four days and one-third -as a nymph. It is on the sixteenth day therefore -that the perfect state of queen is attained.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_5" id="Footnote_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5"><span class="label">[E]</span></a> Instead of being nearly horizontal like the other brood-cells, -those of the queens are perpendicular and considerably -larger; in form they are oblong spheroids, tapering gradually -downwards; their mouths being always at the bottom. -<i>Vide</i> Part II. “<a href="#Architecture">Architecture of Bees</a>.”</p></div> - -<p>The male passes three days in the egg, six and -a half as a worm, and metamorphoses into a fly -on the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth day, after the -egg is laid. The great epoch of laying the eggs -of males may be accelerated or retarded by the -state of the atmosphere promoting or impeding -the collections of the bees. The <i>development</i> of -<i>each</i> species likewise proceeds more slowly when -the colonies are weak or the air cool, and when -the weather is very cold it is entirely suspended. -Mr. Hunter has observed that the eggs, maggots -and nymphs, all require a heat above 70° of Fahrenheit -for their evolution. The influence of temperature -in developing embryo insects is very -strongly illustrated in the case of the <i>Papilio -Machaon</i>. According to Messrs. Kirby and Spence, -“if the caterpillar of the <i>Papilio Machaon</i> becomes -a pupa in July, the butterfly will appear in -thirteen days; if it do not become a pupa till -September, the butterfly will not make its appearance -until the following June.” And this is -the case, say they, with a vast number of other -insects. Reaumur proved the influence of temperature, -by effecting the regular changes in a -hot-house, during the month of January. He also -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">- 15 -</a></span> -proved it conversely, by having recourse to an -ice-house in summer, which enabled him to retard -the development for a whole year.</p> - -<p>“The larvæ of bees, though without feet, are -not always without motion. They advance from -their first station at the bottom of the cell, in a -spiral direction: this movement, for the first three -days, is so slow as to be scarcely perceptible; but -after that it is more easily discerned. The animal -now makes two entire revolutions, in about an -hour and three quarters; and when the period of -its metamorphosis arrives, it is scarcely more than -two lines from the mouth of the cell. Its attitude, -which is always the same, is a strong curve. This -occasions the inhabitant of a horizontal cell to be -always perpendicular to the horizon, and that of -a vertical one to be parallel with it<a name="FNanchor_6" id="FNanchor_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6" class="fnanchor">[F]</a>.”</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_6" id="Footnote_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6"><span class="label">[F]</span></a> Kirby and Spence.</p></div> - -<p>The young bees break their envelope with their -teeth, and, assisted at first by the working-bees, -proceed to cleanse themselves from the moisture -and exuviæ with which they were surrounded: -this operation being completed, they begin to -exercise their intended functions, and in a few minutes -are gathering provision in the fields, loading -“in life’s first hour the hollow’d thigh.” M. Maraldi -assures us that he has “seen bees loaded -with two large balls of wax, returning to the hive, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">- 16 -</a></span> -the same day they became bees.” “We have -seen her,“ says Wildman, ”the same day issue -from the cell, and return from the fields loaded -with wax, like the rest.“ The error of Maraldi -and Wildman in using the term wax instead of -pollen, does not at all affect the accuracy of their -observations. As soon as the young insect has -been licked clean and regaled with a little honey -by its companions, the latter clean out the cell, -preparatory to its being re-occupied by a new -tenant or with honey.</p> - -<p>With respect to the cocoons spun by the different -larvæ, both workers and drones spin <i>complete -cocoons</i>, or inclose themselves on every -side: royal larvæ construct only <i>imperfect cocoons</i>, -open behind, and enveloping only the head, thorax, -and first ring of the abdomen; and Huber concludes, -without any hesitation, that the final cause -of their forming only incomplete cocoons is that -they may thus be exposed to the mortal sting of -the first hatched queen, whose instinct leads her -instantly to seek the destruction of those who -would soon become her rivals. If the royal larvæ -spun complete cocoons, the stings of the queens -regnant might be so entangled in their silken -meshes, as to be with difficulty disengaged from -them. “Such,” says Huber, “is the <i>instinctive -enmity of young queens to each other</i>, that I have -seen one of them, immediately on its emergence -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">- 17 -</a></span> -from the cell, rush to those of its sisters, and tear -to pieces even the imperfect larvæ.”</p> - -<p>A curious circumstance occurs with respect -to the hatching of the queen-bee. When the -pupa or nymph is about to change into the -perfect insect, the bees render the cover of the -cell thinner, by gnawing away part of the wax; -and with so much nicety do they perform this -operation that the cover at last becomes pellucid, -owing to its extreme thinness, thus facilitating -the exit of the fly. After the transformation is -complete, the young queens would, in common -course, immediately emerge from their cells, as -workers and drones do; but the former always -keep the royal infants prisoners for some days, -supplying them in the mean time with honey for -food, a small hole being made in the door of each -cell, through which the confined bee extends its -proboscis to receive it. The <i>royal prisoners</i> continually -utter a kind of song, the modulations of -which are said to vary. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XV">Chapter <span class="smcap">XV</span></a>. Huber -heard a young princess in her cell emit a very -distinct sound or clacking, consisting of several -monotonous notes in rapid succession, and he supposes -the working bees to ascertain, by the loudness -of these tones, the ripeness of their queens. -Huber has suggested that the cause of this temporary -imprisonment may possibly be to enable -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">- 18 -</a></span> -the young queens to fly away at the instant they -are liberated.</p> - -<p>The queen is a good deal harassed by the other -bees, on her liberation. This has been attributed -to their wishing to impel her to go off with a -swarm as soon as possible, but this notion is -probably erroneous; it certainly is so if Huber be -correct, in saying that the swarms are always -accompanied by the older queens. The queen -has the power of instantly putting a stop to their -worrying, by uttering a peculiar noise, which has -been called the <i>voice of sovereignty</i>. Bonner however -declares that he never could observe in the -queen anything like an exercise of sovereignty. -But Huber’s statement was not founded upon a -solitary instance; he heard the sound on various -occasions, and witnessed the striking effect which -it always produced. On one occasion, a queen -having escaped the vigilance of her guards and -sprung from the cell, was, on her approach to the -royal embryos, pulled, bitten and chased by the -other bees. But standing with her thorax against -a comb and crossing her wings upon her back, -keeping them in motion, but not unfolding them, -she emitted a particular sound, when the bees -became, as it were, paralysed and remained motionless. -Taking advantage of this dread, she rushed -to the royal cells; but the sound having ceased as -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">- 19 -</a></span> -she prepared to ascend, the guardians of the cells -instantly took courage and fairly drove her away. -This voice of sovereignty, as it has been called, -resembles that which is made by young queens -before they are liberated from their cells; it is a -very distinct kind of clicking, composed of many -notes in the same key, which follow each other -rapidly. The sound accompanied by the attitude -just described, always produces a paralysing effect -upon the bees.</p> - -<p>Bees, when deprived of their queen, have the -power of selecting one or more grubs of workers, -and converting them into queens. To effect this, -each of the promoted grubs has a royal cell or -cradle formed for it, by having three contiguous -common cells thrown into one; two of the three -grubs that occupy those cells are sacrificed, and -the remaining one is liberally fed with royal jelly. -This <i>royal jelly</i> is a pungent food prepared by the -working bees, exclusively for the purpose of feeding -such of the larvæ as are destined to become -candidates for the honours of royalty, whether it -be their lot to assume them or not. It is more -stimulating than the food of ordinary bees, has not -the same mawkish taste, and is evidently acescent. -The royal larvæ are supplied with it rather profusely, -and there is always some of it left in the -cell, after their transformation. Schirach, who -was secretary to the Apiarian Society in Upper -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">- 20 -</a></span> -Lusatia and vicar of Little Bautzen, may be regarded -as the discoverer, or rather as the promulgator -of this fact; and his experiments, which -were also frequently repeated by other members -of the Lusatian Society, have been amply confirmed -by those of Huber and Bonner. Mr. Keys -was a violent sceptic upon this subject (See his -communications to the Bath Society); so likewise -was Mr. Hunter (<i>Vide</i> Philosophical Transactions). -But notwithstanding the criticisms and ridicule of -the former, and the sarcastic strictures of the latter, -the sex of workers is now established beyond all -doubt. The fact is said to have been known long -before Schirach wrote: M. Vogel and Signor Monticelli, -a Neapolitan professor, have both asserted -this; the former states it to have been known upwards -of fifty years, the latter a much longer -period; he says that the Greeks and Turks in the -Ionian Islands are well acquainted with it, and that -in the little Sicilian island of Favignana, the art -of <i>producing queens</i> has been known from very -remote antiquity; he even thinks that it was no -secret to the Greeks and Romans, though, as -Messrs. Kirby and Spence observe, had the practice -been common, it would surely have been noticed -by Aristotle or Pliny. The result of Schirach’s -experiments was that all workers were originally -females, but that their organs of generation -were obliterated, merely because the germs of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">- 21 -</a></span> -them were not developed; their being fed and -treated in a particular manner, in their infancy -or worm state, being necessary, in his opinion, -to effect that development. Subsequent experiments -conducted under the auspices of Huber, -have shown, however, that the organs are not entirely -obliterated.</p> - -<p>Huber has been regarded as a man of a very -vivid imagination; and as his eye-sight was defective, -he was obliged to rely very much upon the -reports of Francis Burnens, his assistant; on both -which accounts other apiarian writers have thrown -some distrust upon his statements. Huish may -be reckoned among the number; he has also made -some observations upon Schirach’s theory, and -treated it with much petulance and ridicule. In -answer to him and all other cavillers, I shall detail -an experiment made by Mr. Dunbar, in his mirror -hive. In July, when the hive had become filled -with comb and bees, and well stored with honey; -and when the queen was very fertile, laying a -hundred eggs a-day, Mr. D. opened the hive and -took her majesty away. The bees laboured for -eighteen hours before they appeared to miss her; -but no sooner was the loss discovered than all was -agitation and tumult; and they rushed in crowds -to the door, as if swarming. On the following -morning he observed that they had founded five -queen cells, in the usual way under such circumstances; -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">- 22 -</a></span> -and in the course of the same afternoon, -four more were founded, in a part of the -comb where there were only eggs a day or two -old. On the fourteenth day from the old queen’s -removal, a young queen emerged and proceeded -towards the other royal cells, evidently with a -murderous intent. She was immediately pulled -away by the workers, with violence, and this conduct -on their part was repeated as often as the -queen renewed her destructive purpose. At every -repulse she appeared sulky, and cried <i>peep peep</i>, -one of the unhatched queens responding, but in a -somewhat hoarser tone. (This circumstance affords -an explanation of the two different sounds which -are heard, prior to the issuing of second swarms.) -On the afternoon of the same day, a second queen -was hatched; she immediately buried herself in a -cluster of bees. Next morning Mr. D. observed -a hot pursuit of the younger queen by the elder, -but being called away, on his return half an hour -afterwards, the former was dying on the floor, no -doubt the victim of the other. Huber has stated -that these artificial queens are mute; but the circumstance -noticed by Mr. Dunbar of the two -queens, just referred to, having answered each -other, disproves that statement. Contrary also to -the experience of Huber, Mr. D. found that the -cells of artificial queens were surrounded by a -guard. I have just adverted to the protection -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">- 23 -</a></span> -which they afforded to the royal cells, when assailed -by the first hatched queen.</p> - -<p>That <i>the working bees are females</i> is clear from -the circumstance of their being known occasionally -to lay eggs. This fact was first noticed by Riem, -and was afterwards confirmed by the experiments -of Huber, whose assistant, on one occasion seized -a fertile worker in the very act of laying. It is a -remarkable fact that these <i>fertile workers</i> never lay -any but <i>drones’</i> eggs. This uninterrupted laying -of drones’ eggs was noticed by the Lusatian observers, -as well as by the naturalist of the Palatinate. -Bonnet, on referring to this fact, supposes -there must have been small queens mixed with the -workers upon which the experiments were made, -whose office it was to lay male eggs in <i>all</i> hives; -for neither he nor the before-named observers -imagined that the workers were ever fertile, though -from the oft repeated experiments, just alluded to, -they must have regarded them as females. Probably -the fertility of these workers is occasioned -by some royal jelly being casually dropped into -their cells, when grubs, as they uniformly issue -from cells adjoining those inhabited by grubs, that -have been raised from the plebeian to the royal -rank; of course therefore they are never found in -any hives but those which have had the misfortune -to lose their queen. Fertile workers appear -smaller in the belly and more slender in the body -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">- 24 -</a></span> -than sterile workers, and this is the only external -difference between them.</p> - -<p>If any further proof were required to establish -the opinion that working bees are females, the -question has been set at rest for ever, by <i>the dissections -of Miss Jurine</i>, daughter of the distinguished -naturalist of Geneva: what had eluded -the scalpel and the microscope of that penetrating -and indefatigable naturalist Swammerdam, was -reserved for the still finer hand and more dexterous -dissection of a lady. Miss Jurine, by adopting a -particular method of preparing the object to be -examined, brought into view the rudiments of the -ovaria of the common working bee: her examinations -were several times repeated, and always with -success: in form, situation and structure, they were -found to be perfectly analogous to those of the queen-bee, -excepting that no ova could be distinguished -in them. M. Cuvier, however, thinks that he has -observed minute chaplets in common bees, resembling -those in the oviducts of queens; an additional -confirmation, if any were wanted, of the -opinion that workers are females whose organization -is not developed. Miss Jurine undertook the -delicate task to which I have just referred, at the -request of M. Huber, who speaks of her as a -young lady who had devoted her time and the -liberal gifts of nature to similar studies, and says -that she already rivalled Lyonnet and Merian; but -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">- 25 -</a></span> -adds, “we had soon to deplore her loss.” The -research was first made to ascertain whether black -bees, which, when they appear in a hive, are much -persecuted, were exposed to this persecution in -consequence of their sex exciting the jealousy of -the queen. The success of the investigation induced -this accomplished young lady to extend her -dissection to the common workers, which was -crowned with a result equally gratifying. Parallel -instances have been observed with regard to the -humble-bee, the wasp and the ant, amongst which, -those that have usually been called neuters are -found to be females, and when fertile, they, like -the fertile workers in a bee-hive, produce males -universally.</p> - -<p>Having now traced these insects through their -regular stages of egg, larva, nymph, until they -become perfect bees, and having noticed the facts -which show the working bees to be females, I -shall advert to the more intricate and mysterious -business of <i>Impregnation</i>. This is a subject which -was long involved in obscurity, and which indeed -is still clouded by some uncertainty. Schirach -and Bonner stoutly denied the necessity of sexual -intercourse between the queen and the drones, -considering the former as a mother and yet a -virgin, and Swammerdam was of the same opinion; -he ascribes impregnation to a vivifying seminal -aura, which is exhaled from the drones and penetrates -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">- 26 -</a></span> -the body of the queen. This opinion arose -from his observing a very strong odour to be exhaled, -at certain times, from the drones; “Hanc -sententiam ratam habuit, quia organa apum propagini -servientia, sexus utriusque, ritè dissecta, inter -se ita disparia videbantur, ut congressus ne fieri -quidem ullo pacto posset.” His opinion with respect -to the vivifying influence of the seminal aura -also accounted satisfactorily, to his own mind, -for there being such a prodigious number of -drones, as, in proportion to their number, would -of course be the intensity of their peculiar -odour. Reaumur very successfully combated -this fanciful doctrine, and Huber has confuted -it by direct experiment. Reaumur inclined to -the opinion that there was a sexual intercourse, -though his experiments left that question undecided. -Arthur Dobbs, Esq. has given it as his -opinion that the queen’s eggs were impregnated -by coition with the drones, and that a renewal of -the intercourse was unnecessary. He however -thought that she had intercourse with several, -instead of with one only, in order that there might -be a sufficient deposition of sperm to impregnate -all her eggs. About the beginning of the last -century, Maraldi broached another hypothesis; -he imagined that the eggs were fecundated by the -drones, after the queen had deposited them in the -cells, similarly to what takes place in the fecundation -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">- 27 -</a></span> -of fish-spawn. In 1777 that ingenious -naturalist Mr. Debraw, who was apothecary to -Addenbroke’s Hospital at Cambridge, also adopted -this opinion; and even so late as the year 1817 -Huish has supported the same doctrine, and I -believe does so at the present time. Debraw -thought he had discovered the prolific fluid of the -drones, in the brood-cells, which fertilizing the -eggs caused them to produce larvæ. Huber repeated -the experiments of Debraw, and at first -gave him credit for the reality of the discovery; -but further and more minute observation convinced -him that it was illusory, and that what he, -as well as Debraw had taken for seminal fluid, -was nothing more than light reflected from the -bottoms of the cells, when illuminated by the sun’s -rays. Moreover, it did not escape the acute mind -of Huber, that eggs were laid and larvæ hatched, -when there were no drones in existence, viz. -between the months of September and April. The -two hypotheses just mentioned, accounted satisfactorily, -to their supporters, for the prodigious disproportion -in the number of the sexes. But Huber -made the experiment of confining the queen and -rigidly excluding every male from a hive; nay more, -he carefully examined every comb, and satisfied -himself that there was neither male nymph nor -worm present; and lest it should be supposed that -the fertilizing fluid might be imported from other -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">- 28 -</a></span> -hives, he totally confined the bees, on two occasions, -and still the eggs were prolific; which -proves clearly that their fertility must have depended -upon the previous impregnation of the -queen. The analogy of wasps is indeed admitted, -by Huish, to discountenance the opinion which he -entertains in common with Maraldi and Debraw. -The queen wasp alone, survives the winter, and -deposits her first eggs in the ensuing spring in -combs of her own construction. Here then impregnation -must have taken place in the preceding -autumn, whilst the eggs were in the ovaria. It -was the opinion of Hattorf, Schirach, and probably -also of Bonner, that the queen-bee impregnated -herself; but this opinion is too extravagant to require -serious refutation: it arose probably, from -their making experiments upon queens taken indiscriminately -from the hives, and which had -previously been impregnated. This no doubt -misled Debraw, who, without knowing it, had -chosen for experiment some queens that had had -commerce with the males. The experiments of -Huber were made upon virgin-queens, with whose -history he was acquainted from the moment of -their leaving their cells. In the course of his -experiments he found that the queens were never -impregnated, so long as they remained in the -interior of the hive; but that <i>impregnation always -takes place in the open air</i>, at a time when the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">- 29 -</a></span> -heat has induced the drones to issue from the -hive; on which occasions, the queen soars high in -the air, love being the motive for the only distant -journey she ever takes. “The rencontre and -copulation of the queen with the drone take place -exterior to the hive,” says Lombard, “and whilst -they are on the wing.” They are similarly constituted -with the whole family of flies. A corresponding -circumstance may also be noted with -respect to the queen-ant; and Bonnet, in his <i>Contemplations -de la Nature</i>, has observed that <i>she</i> is -always impregnated whilst she is on the wing. -The dragon-flies copulate as they fly through the -air, in which state they have the appearance of a -double animal.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i1"> "When noon-tide Sirius glares on high,<br /></span> -<span class="i1"> Young Love ascends the glowing sky,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">From vein to vein swift shoots prolific fire,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And thrills each insect fibre with desire.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Thence, Nature, to fulfil thy prime decree,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Wheels round, in wanton rings, the courtier bee;<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Now shyly distant, now with bolden’d air.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">He woos and wins the all-complying fair:<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Through fields of ether, veil’d in vap’ry gloom,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">They seek, with amorous haste, the nuptial room;<br /></span> -<span class="i1">As erst th’ immortal pair, on Ida’s height,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Wreath’d round their noon of joy, ambrosial night.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>The males and the fertile females, among ants, -are winged insects; the former, as in the case of -drone bees, perish a short time after their amours; -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">- 30 -</a></span> -and the females, having alighted upon a spot suitable -for the formation of a colony, cut off their -own wings, as being no longer of any use to them. -(Linnæus had observed that the females lost their -wings a certain period after impregnation.) A -domino Hunter didici, se bombinatrices sub oculos -in coitu junctos, ut apud muscas mos est, vidisse. -“Aculeus,” inquit, “articulo temporis ejicitur, -et inter gemina insecta, dorso feminæ imponitur. -Hoc situ aliquandiù manent.” In the -hornet it is the same.</p> - -<p>If the queen-bee be confined, though amid a -seraglio of males, she continues barren. Prior to -her flight, (which is preceded by the flight of the -drones,) she reconnoitres the exterior of the hive, -apparently for the purpose of recognition, and -sometimes, after flying a few feet from it, returns -to it again: finally she rises aloft in the air, describing -in her flight horizontal circles of considerable -diameter, till she is out of sight. She -returns from her aërial excursion in about half -an hour, with the most evident marks of fecundation. -Excursions are sometimes made for a shorter -period, but then she exhibits no sign of having been -impregnated. It is curious that Bonner should have -remarked those aërial excursions, without suspecting -their object. “I have often,” says he, “seen -the young queens taking an airing upon the second -or third day of their age.” Yet Huish says, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">- 31 -</a></span> -“It is an acknowledged tact that the queen-bee -never leaves the hive, on any account whatsoever.” -Perhaps Huish’s observations were made upon -first swarms; and these, according to Huber, are -uniformly conducted by old queens. Swammerdam -also made the same observation as to <i>first -swarms being always led off by old queens</i>. Old -queens have not the same occasion to quit the -hives that young ones have,—viz. to have intercourse -with the drones; for, according to Huber, -one impregnation is sufficient to fertilize all the -eggs that are laid for two years afterwards, at least. -He <i>thinks</i> it is sufficient to fertilize all that she -lays during her whole life. This may appear, to -some, an incredible period; and Huish inquires, -admitting that a single act of coition be sufficient -to fecundate all the eggs existing in the ovaria at -the time, how those are fecundated which did not -exist there? But when we consider that in the -common spider, according to Audebert, the fertilizing -effect continues for <i>many years</i>; and that -the fecundation of the eggs of the female aphides -or green lice, by the males of one generation, will -continue for a year, passing, during that period, -through <i>nine</i> or <i>ten successive generations</i> of females, -the causes for doubt will, I think, be greatly -diminished: at any rate we are not at liberty to -reject the evidence of facts, because we cannot -understand their <i>modus operandi</i>. With respect -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">- 32 -</a></span> -to the aphis, Bonnet says the influence of the male -continues through <i>five</i> generations, but Lyonnet -carried his experiments to a more extended period; -and according to Messrs. Kirby and Spence, -who give it “upon the authority of Mr. Wolnough -of Hollesley (late of Boyton) in Suffolk, an -intelligent agriculturist, and a most acute and accurate -observer of nature, there may be <i>twenty</i> -generations in a year.” Reaumur has proved that -in <i>five</i> generations one aphis may be the progenitor -of 5,904,900,000 descendants. It may be objected -to me here, that the aphis is a viviparous -insect, and that the experiments which prove what -I have referred to, do not therefore bear upon -the question. It has been ascertained, however, -that they are strictly oviparous at the close of the -year (one species is at all times so), at other times -ovo-viviparous; and in either case the penetrating -influence of the male sperm is surely still more -remarkable where there has been no immediate -commerce with the male, than in the direct case -of the oviparous bee! It has been observed, however, -that the further the female aphides are removed -from the first mother, or that which had -known the male, the less prolific do they become. -In order to put my readers in possession of Dr. -Fleming’s opinion upon this subject, I will quote -what he has said in his Philosophy of Zoology. -“Impregnation, in insects, appears to take place -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">- 33 -</a></span> -while the eggs pass a reservoir containing the -sperm, situated near the termination of the oviduct -in the vulva. In dissecting the female parts, -in the silk-moth, says Mr. Hunter, I discovered -a bag, lying on what may be called the vagina or -common oviduct, whose mouth or opening was -external, but it had a canal of communication betwixt -it and the common oviduct. In dissecting -these parts, before copulation, I found this bag -empty; and when I dissected them afterwards, I -found it full. (Phil. Trans. 1792. p. 186.) By -the most decisive experiments, such as covering -the ova of the unimpregnated moth, after exclusion, -with the liquor taken from this bag, in those -which had had sexual intercourse, and rendering -them fertile, he demonstrated that this bag was a -reservoir for the spermatic fluid, to impregnate -the eggs, as they were ready for exclusion, and -that coition and impregnation were not simultaneous.” -Linnæus thought that there was a sexual -intercourse between the queens and the drones, -and he even suspected that it proved fatal to the -latter. His opinion, on both these points, seems -to be confirmed by the experiments of Huber; -who ascertained by repeated observations on -newly impregnated queens, “Fuci organum, post -congressum, in corpore feminæ hæsisse, unde exitus -fatalis expectandus est; ita autem accidere re -verâ non liquet.” “Apum regina et mater,” says Mr. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">- 34 -</a></span> -Kirby, “in sublime fertur maritum infelicem petens, -qui voluptatem brevem vitâ emat.” Reaumur -thought sexual union necessary to impregnation, -and tried many experiments to ascertain the fact; -such as confining a queen under a glass in company -with drones: and these experiments were -repeated by Huber. Both these naturalists witnessed -the solicitations and advances of the queens -towards the drones, “nihilominùs, coeuntia tempore -quovis conspicere non possent.” Reaumur <i>fancied</i> -he saw it; there is, however, very great reason to -believe that he was mistaken: the queens so exposed -all proved barren. Swammerdam asserted that -clipping the wings of queens rendered them sterile, -a fact which militates very much against his own -theory of impregnation being produced by a seminal -aura, but strongly confirms the theory of -Huber; as in all probability the mutilating experiments -of Swammerdam were made upon virgin -queens, which thereby lost the power of quitting -the hives. Huber found that clipping the wings -of <i>impregnated</i> queens produced no effect upon -them; it neither diminished the respectful attentions -of the workers, nor interfered with their -laying of eggs. Why impregnation can only take -place in the open air and when the insects are on -the wing, at present remains a mystery.</p> - -<p>The young virgin-queens, generally, set out in -quest of the males, the day after they are settled -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">- 35 -</a></span> -in their new abode, which is usually the fifth day -of their existence as queens, two or three days -being passed in captivity, one in the native hive -after their liberation, and the fifth in the new -dwelling. The ancients seem to have been very -solicitous to establish for the bees a character of -inviolable chastity: Pliny observes, “Apium enim -coitus visus nunquam.” And Virgil endeavours -to support the same opinion:</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“But of all customs which the bees can boast,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">’Tis this that claims our admiration most;<br /></span> -<span class="i1">That none will Hymen’s softer joys approve,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Nor waste their spirits in luxurious love:<br /></span> -<span class="i1">But all a long virginity maintain.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And bring forth young without a mother’s pain.”<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>It was the opinion of most ancient philosophers -that bees derived their origin from the putrid carcases -of animals. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_II">Chap. II</a>. Some also have -supposed them to proceed from the parts of fructification -in flowers. Virgil, borrowing as usual -from Aristotle, among the rest:</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Well might the Bard, on fancy’s frolic wing,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Bid, from fresh flowers, enascent myriads spring,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Raise genial ferment in the slaughter’d steer.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And people thence his insect-teeming year;<br /></span> -<span class="i1">A fabled race, whom no soft passions move.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">The smile of duty nor the glance of love.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>“To vindicate, in some measure, the character -of the insect queen, Mr. Wildman boldly dared -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">- 36 -</a></span> -to stem the torrent, and revive the long forgotten -idea suggested by Mr. Butler in his <i>Feminine -Monarchy</i>, that queens produce queens only, and -that the common bees are the mothers of common -bees.” But all these fanciful notions must yield -to the clear and decisive experiments of Huber, -who has satisfactorily shown that <i>the queen is the -general mother of all</i>; he has also resolved the -causes of former mistaken opinions. Many apiarians -have found a difficulty in admitting the -theory of Huber, in consequence of the very great -disproportion in the number of the sexes, there -being only one female to several hundred males, -and one impregnation being, in his opinion, all -that is required to fertilize myriads of eggs. The -number of drones may be considered as in accordance, -in some degree, with the general profusion -of nature: we find her abounding with -supernumeraries in a great variety of instances, in -the blossoms of trees and flowers, as well as in the -relative number of one sex to the other among -animals. Huber conceives that it was necessary -there should be a great number of drones, that -the queen might be sure of finding one, in her excursion -through the expanse of the atmosphere, -and run no risk of sterility.</p> - -<p>In <a href="#Page_26">page 26</a> I have stated the opinion of Mr. -Dobbs, that a queen has intercourse with several -drones; and what I have also stated upon the authority -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">- 37 -</a></span> -of Mr. Hunter, in <a href="#Page_34">page 34</a>, with respect -to the silk-moth and other insects, gives countenance -to that opinion: nor do I see its inconsistency -with the discovery made by Huber. Though -there is reason to believe that the act proves fatal -to one devoted drone, yet those that are so fortunate -as to obtain the first favours of her majesty, -may escape uninjured. If the conjecture which I -have thus hazarded be correct, it will appear less -surprising that so many drones should be brought -into existence.</p> - -<p>The queen begins to lay her eggs as soon as a -few portions of comb are completely formed. By -the time that combs five or six inches square are -constructed, eggs, honey and bee-bread will be -found in them. Huber states that <i>the laying -usually commences forty-six hours after the intercourse -with the male; and that during the eleven -succeeding months, the eggs of workers only are -laid; after which a considerable and uninterrupted -laying of drones’ eggs commences</i>. This period may -be retarded by the temperature of the atmosphere. -Huber relates an instance where, the weather having -become suddenly cold, after an impregnation -which took place on the 31st of October, that -queen did not lay till the March following. The -effects of retardation will be noticed presently. -<i>Twenty days after the queen has begun to lay the -eggs of drones, “the working bees,”</i> says Huber, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">- 38 -</a></span> -“<i>construct the</i> <span class="smcap">royal cells</span>, <i>in which the queens, -without discontinuing the laying of male eggs, deposit, -at the interval of one, two or three days, those -eggs from which the queens are successively to -spring</i>.” This laying of the eggs of drones, which -is called the great laying, usually happens in May. -There seems to be a secret relation between the -production of these eggs, and the construction of -royal cells: the laying commonly lasts thirty days, -and regularly on the 20th or 21st day, as has been -already observed, royal cells are founded. <i>When -the larvæ, hatched from the eggs laid by the queen -in the royal cells, are ready to be transformed to -nymphs, this queen leaves the hive, conducting a -swarm along with her.</i> A swarm is always led off -by a single queen; and Huber remarks that it was -necessary for instinct to impel the old queen to -lead forth the first swarm; for, being the strongest, -she would never fail to overthrow the younger -competitors for the throne, near which “the jealous -Semiramis of the hive will bear no rival.” -The queen, having finished her laying of male -eggs and of royal eggs, prior to her quitting the -old hive, is ready to commence, in the new one, -with the laying of workers’ eggs, workers being -first needed, in order to secure the continuance -and prosperity of the newly founded commonwealth. -The bees that remain in the old hive -take particular care of the royal cells, and prevent -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">- 39 -</a></span> -the young queens, successively hatched, from -leaving them, except at an interval of several days -from each departure. But I have already adverted -to their mode of proceeding on these occasions. -<i>Vide</i> <a href="#Page_17">page 17</a>. <i>The law of primogeniture</i> is always -strictly observed towards these royal insects, the -first-born or princess-royal being always selected to -go off with the second swarm, or to reign over -the parent stock, as the case may be; and so on -with respect to the third and fourth, or whatever -number may issue. It is remarkable that a queen -seldom, if ever, leads forth a swarm, except there -be sunshine and calm air. Such a ferment occasionally -rages in the hives, as soon as the young -queens are hatched, that Huber has often observed -the thermometer placed in the hive, rise suddenly -from about 92° to above 104° Fahrenheit. This -suffocating heat he considers as one of the means -employed by nature for urging the bees to go off -in swarms. <i>In warm weather one strong hive has -been known to send off four swarms in 18 days.</i> -<i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">Chap. XIII</a>.</p> - -<p>According to Huber, <i>the queen ordinarily lays -about 12,000 eggs in two months</i>, one impregnation -serving, as has been before stated, for the whole -complement of eggs, of every description, which -she lays during two years at least. It is not to -be supposed that she lays at the rate of 12,000 -eggs every two months, but she does so at the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">- 40 -</a></span> -principal laying in April and May: there is also -another great laying in August. Early in November -the laying usually ceases. Reaumur states -the number of eggs laid by a queen in two months -at double the amount of Huber’s calculation; viz. -200 a day, on an average. This variation may -have arisen from variety of climate, season, or -other circumstances. <i>A moderate swarm has been -calculated to consist of from 12,000 to 20,000</i>, -which is about a two months’ laying. Schirach -says that <i>a single queen will lay from 70,000 to -100,000 eggs in a season</i>. This sounds like -a great number; but it is greatly exceeded by -some other insects. The female of the white -ant extrudes not less than 60 eggs in a minute, -which gives 3600 in an hour, 86,400 in a day, -2,419,200 in a lunar month, and the enormous -number of 211,449,600 in a year. Though she -does not lay all the year probably, yet, setting the -period as low as possible, her eggs will exceed -the number produced by any other known animal -in creation.</p> - -<p>If the <i>impregnation</i> of a queen be by any means -<i>retarded</i> beyond the 20th or 21st day of her life, -a very extraordinary consequence ensues. Instead -of first laying the eggs of workers, and those of -drones, at the usual period afterwards, she begins -from the 45th hour to lay the latter, and lays no -other kind during her whole life. It should seem -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">- 41 -</a></span> -as if the rudiments of the workers’ eggs withered -in the oviducts, but without obstructing the passage -of the drones’ eggs. The only known fact -analogous to this is the state of certain vegetable -seeds, which lose the faculty of germination from -age, whatever care may have been taken to preserve -them. This retardation seems to have a -singular effect upon the whole animal œconomy of -the queen. “The bodies of those queens,” says -Huber, “whose impregnation has been retarded, -are shorter than common; the extremities remain -slender, whilst the first two rings, next the thorax, -are uncommonly swollen.” In consequence of the -shortening of their bodies, their eggs are frequently -laid on the sides of the cells, owing probably -to their not being able to reach the bottom; -the difficulty is also increased by the two swollen -rings. In these cases of retarded impregnation -and exclusive laying of drones’ eggs, the prosperity -of the hive soon terminates; generally before -the end of the queen’s laying. The workers receiving -no addition to their number, but on the -contrary, finding themselves overwhelmed with -drones, sacrifice their queen and abandon the hive. -These retarded queens seem to have their instincts -impaired; for they deposit their eggs indiscriminately -in the cells, whether originally intended for -drones or for workers,—a circumstance which materially -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">- 42 -</a></span> -affects the size of the drones that are -reared in them. There are not wanting instances -of royal cells being occupied by them, and of the -workers being thereby so completely deceived as -to pay the tenants, in all respects, the honours of -royalty. This circumstance appears the more extraordinary, -since it has been ascertained that -when eggs have been thus inappropriately deposited, -by fertile workers, they are uniformly destroyed -a few days afterwards, though for a short -time they receive due attention.</p> - -<p>The workers have been supposed by some apiarians -to transport the eggs from place to place;—if -ever such were the case, this would seem to be -an occasion calling for the practice: on the contrary, -instead of removing the eggs from the sides -to the bottoms of the cells, for the sake of better -accommodation, this object is accomplished by their -lengthening the cells, and advancing them two -lines beyond the surface of the combs. This proceeding -affords pretty good evidence that <i>the -transportation of eggs</i> forms no part of the workers’ -occupation. It is still further proved by their -eating any workers’ eggs, that a queen may, at any -time, be forced to deposit in drones’ cells, or drop -at random in other parts of the hive; a circumstance -which escaped the notice of former naturalists, -and misled them in their opinion respecting -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">- 43 -</a></span> -transportation. A somewhat similar circumstance -was noticed by Mr. Dunbar in his mirror -hive. (For an account of this hive see <a href="#CHAPTER_X">Chap. X.</a>) -Mr. Dunbar observed that whenever the queen -dropped her eggs carelessly, they were eagerly -devoured by the workers. Now if transportation -formed a part of their employment, they -would in these cases, instead of eating the eggs, -have deposited them in their appropriate cells. It -seems very evident therefore that the proper disposition -of the eggs is left entirely to the instinct -of the queens. The workers having been seen to -run away with the eggs, in order to devour them, -in all probability gave birth to the mistaken notion -that they were removing them to their right cells. -Among humble-bees, there is a disposition, among -the workers, to eat the eggs, which extends even -to those that are laid in proper cells, where the -queens often have to contend for their preservation.</p> - -<p>After the season of swarming, viz. towards the -end of July, as is well known, a general <i>massacre -of the drones</i> takes place. The business of fecundation -being now completed, they are regarded -as useless consumers of the fruits of others labour, -“fruges consumere nati;” love is at once converted -into furious hate, and a general proscription -takes place. The unfortunate victims evidently -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">- 44 -</a></span> -perceive their danger; for they are never, at this -time, seen resting in one place, but darting in or -out of the hive, with the utmost precipitation, as -if in fear of being seized. Their destruction has -been generally supposed to be effected by the -workers harassing them till they quit the hive: -this was the opinion of Mr. Hunter, who says the -workers pinch them to and fro, without stinging -them, and he considers their death as a natural -rather than an untimely one. In this Bonnet seems -to agree with Mr. Hunter. But Huber has observed -that <i>their destruction is effected by the stings -of the workers:</i> he ascertained this by placing his -hives upon a glass table, as will be stated under -the anatomy of the bee, article “Sting.” Reaumur -seems to have been aware of this, for he has remarked -that “notwithstanding the superiority -which the drones seem to have from their bulk, -they cannot hold out against the workers, who are -armed with a poniard which conveys poison into -the wounds it makes.” The moment this formidable -weapon has entered their bodies, they expand -their wings and expire. This sacrifice is not the -consequence of a blind indiscriminating instinct, -for <i>if a hive be deprived of its queen, no massacre -takes place</i>, though the hottest persecution rage -in all the surrounding hives. This fact was observed -by Bonner, who supposed the drones to be -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">- 45 -</a></span> -preserved for the sake of the additional heat which -they would generate in the hive during winter; -but according to Huber’s theory, they are preserved -for the purpose of impregnating a new -queen. The lives of the drones are also spared -in hives which possess fertile workers only, but -no proper queen, and likewise in hives governed -by a queen whose impregnation has been retarded; -but under any other circumstances the drones -all disappear before winter. Not only all that -have undergone their full transformations, but -every embryo, in whatever period of its existence, -shares the same fate. The workers drag them -forth from the cells, and after sucking the fluid -from their bodies, cast them out of the hive. In -all these respects the hive-bees resemble wasps, -but with this difference; among the latter, not -only are the males and the male larvæ destroyed, -but all the workers and their larvæ, (and the very -combs themselves,) are involved in one indiscriminate -ruin, none remaining alive during the winter -but the queens, which lie dormant in various holes -and corners till the ensuing spring,—of course -without food, for they store none. The importance -of destroying these mother wasps in the -spring will be noticed in another place.</p> - -<p>Morier in his second journey through Persia -(page 100) has recorded a fact, which, though it -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">- 46 -</a></span> -did not come under his own immediate observation, -was related to him by a person on whose authority -he could place full reliance, and which is -directly the reverse of what I have stated respecting -bees. It is, that among the locusts, when the -female has done laying, she is surrounded and -killed by the males.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">- 47 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">THE APIARY.</p> - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">T</span>he</span> first object of consideration, in the establishment -of an apiary, is situation.</p> - -<p>The aspect has, in general, been regarded as of -prime importance, but I think there are other -points of still greater importance.</p> - -<p>An apiary would not be well situated near a -great river, nor in the neighbourhood of the -sea, as windy weather might whirl the bees into -the water and destroy them.</p> - -<p>It was the opinion of the ancients that bees, in -windy weather, carried weights, to prevent them -from being whiffled about, in their progress -through the air: Virgil has observed that</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“They with light pebbles, like a balanc’d boat,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Pois’d, through the air on even pinions float.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Sotheby’s Georgics.</span></p></div> - -<p>This assertion, which was probably borrowed -by the poet from his predecessor Aristotle, and -which has since been repeated by Pliny, is now -ascertained to be erroneous. The error has been -noticed by both Swammerdam and Reaumur, and -ascribed by them to preceding observers having -mistaken the mason bee for a hive-bee. The former -builds its nest against a wall, with a composition -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">- 48 -</a></span> -of gravel, sand and its own saliva, and when -freighted with the former article, may easily have -led a careless observer into the erroneous opinion -above alluded to.</p> - -<p>From a similar inaccuracy of observation, it is -probable that flies were confounded with bees by -ancient naturalists, and that from thence arose -the absurd notion, of the latter being generated -in putrid carcases, as we know the former -to be; and this error was most likely confirmed -by their having found both honey and bees in the -carcases of dead animals, as recorded in the case -of Samson.</p> - -<p>Though, for the reasons above stated, an apiary -would not be well situated near a large river, yet -it should not be far from a rivulet or spring: -small ones, that glide gently over pebbles, are the -most desirable, as affording a variety of resting -places for the bees to alight upon. If neither -spring nor streamlet be near, a broad dish of -water should be placed for the bees, the bottom -being covered with small stones or duckweed, to -facilitate their drinking and prevent drowning.</p> - -<p>This, in a hot dry season, is of considerable -importance, as it will save that time, which must -otherwise be spent, in fetching water from a distance; -for without water, as will be noticed hereafter, -no wax can be formed.</p> - -<p>It is of course of the greatest importance that -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">- 49 -</a></span> -the apiary be situated near to good pasturage, -such as clover, saintfoin, buckwheat, &c.—better -still if in a garden well stocked with suitable -plants.</p> - -<p>It should be near the residence of the proprietor, -as well for the purpose of rendering the bees -tractable and well acquainted with the family, as -for affording a good view of their general proceedings; -if it be so situated that its front may form -a right angle with the window of the family sitting-room, -an easy opportunity will be afforded -to watch the bustle of swarming.</p> - -<p>An out-door apiary should admit of being approached -at the back part, to give an opportunity -of making observations on the proceedings of the -bees, or to perform any requisite operation upon -them.</p> - -<p>The hives should be placed upon separate -stands, supported by single posts or pedestals, be -raised from sixteen inches to two feet above the -ground, and be three or four feet from each other; -and they should stand quite clear of any wall or -fence.</p> - -<p>The resting-boards should project several -inches in front of the hives, that the bees may -have plenty of room to alight, when they return -home loaded from the fields, and should be screwed -down firmly to the tops of the stands, that the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">- 50 -</a></span> -hives may not be overturned by high winds or -other accidents.</p> - -<p>They should be free from the droppings of -trees, from noisome smells and disagreeable -noises; and be guarded as much as possible from -the extremes of heat and cold.</p> - -<p>Most apiarians are agreed that the aspect of -the apiary should, in this country, be more or less -southerly, and that it should be well secured from -the north and south-west, by trees, high hedges, -or other fences; this is the opinion of Wildman, -Keys, and Huish; Bonner, however, prefers an -easterly aspect; Huish recommends two points -to the east and one to the south. Wildman preferred -a south-west aspect, as not tempting the -labourers to emerge too early, and as affording a -later light for their return home in the evening.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Skreen’d from the east; where no delusive dawn<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Chills, while it tempts them o’er the dew damp lawn,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">But, as on loaded wing, the labourers roam,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Sol’s last bright glories light them to their home.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>Milton says: “It is not material in what aspect -the stock stands, provided the sun shines on the -hive once in the course of the day, for that well-peopled -hives, kept dry, will thrive in most situations.” -And provided due attention be paid to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">- 51 -</a></span> -other circumstances calculated to promote their -prosperity, I coincide in opinion with Milton.</p> - -<p>Some recommend a valley or hollow glen, for -the convenience of the bees returning home with -their loads. At any rate care should be taken -that no walls, trees, houses, nor anything else, -impede the issuing forth of the bees to their pasturage, -nor obstruct their return in right lines to -the hives. They should be able to fly off from -the resting-boards at an angle of about forty degrees -with the plane of the horizon.</p> - -<p>To those who, residing in towns, may consider -it as indispensable to the success of an apiary, -that it should be in the <i>immediate</i> vicinity of -good pasturage, and be thereby deterred from -benefiting and amusing themselves by keeping -bees; it may be satisfactory to learn, that the -apiary of the celebrated Bonner was situated in a -garret, in the centre of Glasgow, where it flourished -for several years, and furnished him with -the means of making many interesting and valuable -observations, which he gave to the world -about thirty years ago.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">- 52 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">THE BEE-HOUSE.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">N</span>o</span> one that could afford to purchase bee-boxes, -and to construct a bee-house, or to convert to that -use some building already constructed, would -hesitate, I should think, to give them the preference -over common straw-hives and an out-door -apiary, whether he looked to ultimate profit -or to present convenience and security.</p> - -<p>Perhaps I cannot give a better notion of what -I consider as the most eligible plan of a bee-house, -than by describing the construction of my -own. The whole building, besides answering the -purpose of an apiary, may be made subservient to -other uses;—my own serves for storing potatoes. -The potatoe-cellar is sunk two thirds of its depth -in the earth, and the bee-house is raised upon it, -having a couple of steps up to the door. The dimensions -of both are seven feet six inches by six -feet clear within, which affords room for five colonies.</p> - -<p>The piles or stories of bee-boxes are placed in -the bee-house at somewhat less than two feet -apart, so as to make the external entrance to each -pile respectively, about a yard asunder.—See the -plate which forms the frontispiece of this work.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">- 53 -</a></span></p> - -<p>On the inside of the bee-house, the boxes in -the upper row stand about table height, those in -the lower row, about six inches above the floor. -On the outside, the entrances to the upper row -are about five feet, the entrances to the lower row -about three feet from the ground. The entrances -through the wall may be cut in stone, bricks or -wood, and should be chamfered away on the outside, -leaving the wall at those parts as thin as -practicable, and letting the opening correspond in -size with the outlets that are sunk in the floor -boards to be hereafter described. The potatoe-cellar -is built with bricks, the bee-house of timber, -lathed and plastered within, and thatched on the -outside.</p> - -<p>Where the bees enter the boxes, two wooden -shelves or resting-boards are fixed, two or three -inches thick, to prevent warping; they extend the -whole length of the building, are about a foot -wide, and rest on cross pieces, nailed fast to the -uprights with which the bee-house is built: these -cross pieces extend also about fifteen inches into -the bee-house, where they serve as supporters for -the shelves on which the bee-boxes are placed. -The resting-boards on the outside are divided, by -bricks on the edge, into several compartments, as -shown in the frontispiece; the bricks extend -the full width of the resting board, and all the -compartments are slated over. By this means the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">- 54 -</a></span> -entrances are well sheltered, and accommodation -is afforded for the bees, when they are at any time -driven home, by stress of weather, in greater -numbers than can readily pass through the entrances -into the boxes; for on the approach of a -storm, the bees will sometimes return home from -the fields, in such numbers and with such precipitation, -as almost to block up the entrances into -the hives.</p> - -<p>The building is not only thatched on the top, -but down the sides and ends, as low as the potatoe-cellar. -On that side where the bees enter the -boxes, the thatch of course terminates at the top -of the compartments, over which it is spread out -so as to conceal the slate coverings. The floor -of the bee-house is boarded and the potatoe-cellar -is ceiled, the space between the ceiling and the -floor above being filled with dry sawdust. The -door may be situated where most convenient; but -the window or windows should be at one end or at -both ends, that the light may fall sideways on the -bee-boxes, and should be made to open, as in case -of any of the bees accidentally getting into the -bee-house, they may be let out more conveniently.</p> - -<p>It is necessary to have an extra entrance, or -rather an extra outlet, for discharging the bees -when the time of deprivation arrives, which will -be hereafter explained. My own outlet is placed -in a line with and between the lower tier of boxes.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">- 55 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">PASTURAGE.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">I</span>t</span> is of the first importance to the success of an -apiary, that it should be in a neighbourhood -where the bees can be supplied with an abundance -of good pasturage, as upon that will depend the -fecundity of the queen and the harvest of wax and -honey.</p> - -<p>If <i>Dutch clover</i> (<i>Trifolium repens</i>) be neither -grown abundantly by the neighbouring farmers, nor -the spontaneous growth of the surrounding country, -the apiarian should, if possible, crop some ground -with it himself, as it is one of the grand sources -from which bees collect their honey in the spring, -and indeed during a considerable portion of the -principal gathering season. From the value of -clover in this respect, one species of it (<i>Trifolium -pratense</i>) has acquired the name of Honey-suckle -clover. <i>Yellow trefoil</i> also (<i>Medicago lupulina</i>), -though not so great a favourite with the bees as -Dutch clover, is nevertheless a valuable pasturage -for them, in consequence of its blossoming earlier -than the clover.</p> - -<p>Though I have made Dutch clover take precedence -of every other bee pasturage,—a precedence -which in this country at least it is fairly entitled -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">- 56 -</a></span> -to,—yet it is by no means the first in the order -of the seasons.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“First the gray willow’s glossy pearls they steal.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Or rob the hazel of its golden meal,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">While the gay crocus and the violet blue<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Yield to the flexile trunk ambrosial dew.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>The earliest resources of the bee are <i>the willow, -the hazel, the osier, the poplar, the sycamore</i> and -<i>the plane</i>, all which are very important adjuncts to -the neighbourhood of an apiary. The catkins of -several of them afford an abundant supply of -farina, and attract the bees very strongly in early -spring when the weather is fine. Mr. Kirby, in -his <i>Monographia Apum Angliæ</i>, considers the -<i>female</i> catkins of the different species of Salix as -affording honey, the <i>male</i> ones, pollen.</p> - -<p>To these may be added <i>the snowdrop, the crocus, -white alyssum, laurustinus</i>, &c.</p> - -<p><i>Orange</i> and <i>lemon trees</i> also, and other <i>green-house -plants</i>, afford excellent honey, and might be -advantageously presented to the bees at this -season.</p> - -<p><i>Gooseberry, currant</i> and <i>raspberry trees</i> likewise, -with <i>sweet marjoram, winter savory</i> and <i>peppermint</i>, -should not be far off them. From the early -blossoming of the two first, and from their -yielding an extraordinary quantity of honey, they -form some of the first sources of spring food for -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">- 57 -</a></span> -the bees, and in all probability furnish them with -the pale green pellets, then seen upon their thighs.</p> - -<p><i>The peach, nectarine</i>, &c. are also valuable, on -account of their blossoming very early.</p> - -<p><i>Apple</i> and <i>pear trees</i>, which in Worcestershire -and Herefordshire, during several weeks of spring, -seem to form</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“One boundless blush, one white empurpled shower<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Of mingled blossoms,”<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p class="p0">and give those counties the appearance of a perfect -paradise, “may be said to constitute a second -course for the bees, after their earlier spring feast -on the bloom of the currants, gooseberries, and all -the varieties of wall fruit.”</p> - -<p><i>Alder buds</i> and <i>flowers</i> are also particularly -grateful to bees; the former are said to afford -honey for six months together. The maple and -the lime also afford it for a considerable time.</p> - -<p>Dickson, in his “Agriculture,” states that the -blossoms of <i>the bean</i>, which are highly fragrant, -though affording but a scanty supply of honey, -are nevertheless frequented by crowds of bees. -“Is this,” says Dr. Evans, “an instance of mistaken -instinct?”</p> - -<p>The young spotted leaves of <i>the vetch</i> (<i>Anthyllis -vulneraria</i>) they likewise ply continually for three -months together, as well as its flowers, even though -very distant from their homes. The beans also -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">- 58 -</a></span> -which prove most attractive to them are those -with spotted leaves.</p> - -<p>From the partiality of these natural chemists -for the spotted leaves of the vetch and bean, I -suspect that the spotting originates from disease, -which causes those leaves to throw out a honeyed -secretion. In this opinion I am strengthened by -what Mr. Hubbard has stated, in a paper presented -to the Society of Arts for 1799, respecting -papilionaceous plants. “It is not,” says he, “from -the flower, but a small leaf, with a black spot on -it, which, in warm weather, keeps constantly -oozing, that the bees gather their honey.” Mr. -Hubbard also assures us in the same paper that -<i>the tare</i> (<i>Ervum hirsutum</i> et <i>tetraspermum</i>) is -highly useful to bees; and that several acres, sown -near his apiary, otherwise badly situated, rendered -it very productive.</p> - -<p><i>Turnips, mustard</i>, and all <i>the cabbage tribe</i> are -also important auxiliaries; their culture is strongly -recommended by Wildman, as affording spring food -to the bees. In the autumn a field of <i>buckwheat</i> becomes -a very valuable resource for them, from its -prolonged succession of bloom. Buckwheat flowers -in bunches, which contain ripe seeds in one part, -while blossoms are but just opening in another. -Huber has given his testimony in favour of this -black grain, and Worlidge says that he has known -the bees of a very large apiary fill the combs with -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">- 59 -</a></span> -honey in a fortnight, in consequence of being -placed near a large field of buckwheat. Bees -indeed like to have every thing upon a large scale; -whole fields of clover, beans, the brassica tribe -and buckwheat, as has been just observed, attracting -them much more strongly than scattered -plants, though affording finer honey, such as -creeping lemon thyme, mignonette, &c.</p> - -<p>Some flowers they pass by, though yielding a -considerable quantity of honey: those of the honey-suckle -for instance, though much frequented by -the humble-bee, are never visited by the hive-bee, -the superior length of the proboscis of the former -enabling it to collect what is quite out of the reach -of the latter. Every flower of the trumpet honey-suckle -(<i>Lonicera sempervirens</i>), if separated from -the germen, after it is open, will yield two or -three drops of pure nectar.</p> - -<p>In the Transactions of the Society of Arts for -1789, Mr. John. Lane speaks of the fondness of -bees for <i>leek blossoms</i>, and says that he raised -leeks extensively for their use.</p> - -<p>“Your bees will rejoice,” says Mr. Isaac, “when -they see the neighbourhood variegated by the -blossoms of <i>sunflowers, hollyhocks</i> and <i>Spanish -broom</i>, and even the <i>dandelion</i>, which embellishes -the garden of the sluggard.” Dr. Evans observed -that bees not only collect farina from the numerous -assemblage of anthers in the flower of the hollyhock, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">- 60 -</a></span> -but a balsamic varnish also, (most likely -propolis,) from the young blossom buds, and says -he has seen a bee rest upon the same bud for ten -minutes at least, moulding the balsam with its fore-feet -and transferring it to the hinder legs. An -elegant modern writer, speaking of the fondness -of bees in general for the flowers of the hollyhock, -observes that “it has been held a gross libel upon -animals to say, that a man has made a beast of -himself, when he has drunk to such excess as to -lose his reason; but we might without injustice -say, that he has made a humble-bee of himself, -for those little debauchees are particularly prone -to intoxication. Round the nectaries of hollyhocks, -you may generally observe a set of determined -topers quaffing as pertinaciously as if they -belonged to Wilkes’s club; and round about the -flower, (to follow up the simile,) several of the -bon-vivants will be found lying on the ground -inebriated and insensible.” I have frequently -seen the ground beneath one of my pear-trees -strewed over with hive-bees and wasps, in a -similar state, after they had banqueted upon the -rich juices of the fallen fruit. Mr. Kirby, in his -<i>Monographia Apum Angliæ</i>, observes that the -male humble-bees, when the thistles are in bloom, -are often seen asleep or torpid upon its flowers, -and sometimes acting as if intoxicated with the -sweets they have been imbibing.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">- 61 -</a></span></p> - -<p><i>The holly, the privet, phillyrea, elder</i> and <i>common -bramble</i>, together with <i>sweet fennel, nasturtiums</i> -and <i>asparagus</i>, are also much frequented by -the bees. They are likewise very partial to the -yellow flowers of the <i>crowfoot</i>, as well as to the -flowers of <i>the dead nettle</i>, especially the white.</p> - -<p>The blossoms of <i>the cucumber, gourd</i> and <i>vegetable -marrow</i> also, yield a considerable quantity -both of honey and farina, as do likewise those of -the <i>white lily</i>.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i8">“Apes æstate serenâ<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Floribus insidunt variis, et Candida circum<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Lilia funduntur.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Virgil.</span></p></div> - -<p>Dr. Evans speaks of the <i>Cacalia</i> or <i>Alpine -coltsfoot</i> as affording a great quantity of honey, -the scent of which is often diffused to a considerable -distance; and Dr. Darwin, in a note to his -“Botanic Garden,” mentions having counted on -one of those plants, besides bees of various kinds, -upwards of two hundred painted butterflies, which -gave it the appearance of being loaded with -additional flowers.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“When o’er her nectar’d couch papilios crowd.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And bees in clusters hum their plaudits loud.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>“What is it,” says the anonymous writer whom -I lately quoted, “that brings the bees buzzing -round us so busily? See, it is this tuft of coltsfoot, -which they approach with a harmonious -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">- 62 -</a></span> -chorus, somewhat like the <i>Non nobis, Domine</i>, of -our singers; and after partaking silently of the luxurious -banquet, again setup their tuneful Pæans.”</p> - -<p>Ornamental flowers, such as roses, ranunculuses, -anemones, pinks and carnations, afford little or no -pabulum for bees, and tulips are probably pernicious -to them, dead bees being frequently found -in their flowers.</p> - -<p>It would be a great acquisition to the bees to -have near them a large plantation of <i>borage</i>, which -affords peculiarly delicate honey, as does also -<i>viper’s bugloss</i>. The former continues blooming -for many months, and, bearing a pendant flower, -it is not liable to be washed by rain; <i>mignonette</i> -too, if sown abundantly, is a plant of considerable -importance to the apiary, and for a somewhat -similar reason,—its continuing in bloom till the -autumnal frosts set in, and its yielding honey of -peculiar whiteness and delicacy. Instances have -been known, of an abundant crop of these two -flowers affording a large supply of honey to the -apiary, near which they were sown, when, at the -same time, there was a general failure of all the -neighbouring stocks.</p> - -<p><i>Lemon thyme</i> should be planted in every bee-garden, -wherever room can be afforded for it: it -blossoms late, (the beginning of August,) and -affords very fine flavoured honey. It might be -advantageously used as an edging for garden walks -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">- 63 -</a></span> -and flower-beds, instead of box; some use thrift -and daisies for the same purpose. Box has the -character of giving honey a bitter flavour, and -Pliny has observed that the Romans, in laying -tribute upon Corsica, exacted from the inhabitants -two hundred pounds of wax, but wholly excepted -honey, on account of its being flavoured by the -box-tree.</p> - -<p><i>The common teasel</i> (<i>Dipsacus sylvestris</i>) should -have a place near every bee-house, as it not only -supplies honey from its rich purple heads, but -yields a seasonable supply of water, in the cups -formed by the leaves at every joint of the stem, -which contain from a spoonful to half a pint of -water. This convenience is still more efficiently -supplied by the large floating leaves of <i>the water -lily</i>, which should if practicable be introduced -near every apiary. As should also the great hairy -<i>willow-herb</i> (<i>Epilobium hirsutum</i>), a very ornamental -though a very common plant, growing by the -sides of rivulets.</p> - -<p><i>Furze, broom, heath</i> and <i>saintfoin</i>, are good -neighbours to an apiary. The blossoms of furze -so abound with honey as to be pervaded strongly -by the scent of it, and the broom has been extolled -ever since the days of Pliny. Mr. Bradley speaks -in the highest terms of its blossoms, as affording -a great quantity of honey; but he greatly prefers -the Spanish broom, and says that an acre of it -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">- 64 -</a></span> -would maintain ten stocks. The culture of saintfoin -as a bee-pasture is also well worthy of the -apiarian’s attention in some situations; for though -it flourishes best in a calcareous soil, it will thrive -in soils which are too poor either for grass or tillage. -Furze and broom are particularly serviceable -on account of their blossoming early and -long, and abounding in farina.</p> - -<p>On the other hand, the lateness of its bloom -makes <i>ivy</i> a very valuable resource for the bees. -On a fine day at the end of October, among the -ivy-mantled towers of an old castle, I have heard -their humming noise, so loud as scarcely to be -exceeded by that which they make, among the -trees affected with honey-dew, in summer. I -should however conceive that the ivy blossom is -principally serviceable as affording pollen, which -the bees probably warehouse, for feeding the -young larvæ in the ensuing spring. Mr. Hunter -recommends St. John’s wort (<i>Hypericum perforatum</i>), -which also comes in late, as a favourite -plant for collecting pollen, for winter’s store. This -stored pollen is used for feeding the earliest -hatched larvæ, though it is evident that the bees -prefer fresh for the purpose, from their collecting -it as early in the spring as possible, and from the -quantity of stored pollen that is found in every -old hive.</p> - -<p><i>Commons surrounded by woods</i> are well known -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">- 65 -</a></span> -to make an apiary productive, the commons -abounding with wild thyme and various other -flowers, which the scythe never touches; and the -trees, in addition to their farina, affording in some -seasons a profusion of honey-dew. The forwardness -and activity of hives thus situated, may, in -part, be attributed to the sheltering protection of -the woods.</p> - -<p>Keys says he never observed bees to be particularly -fond of the wild thyme. In this he is -opposed to almost all the authors who have -written upon the subject. Theophrastus, Pliny, -Varro, Columella, and various other writers, speak -in the highest terms of it. The Abbé Barthelemy -speaks thus of bees. “These insects are extremely -partial to Mount Hymettus, which they -have filled with their colonies, and which is covered -almost every where with wild thyme and other -odoriferous plants; but it is chiefly from the -excellent thyme the Mount produces, that they -extract those precious sweets, with which they -compose a honey in high estimation throughout -Greece.”</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Here their delicious task the fervent Bees,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">In swarming millions, tend: around, athwart,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Through the soft air the busy nations fly,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Cling to the bud, and, with inserted tube.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Suck its pure essence, its ethereal soul;<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And oft with bolder wing, they soaring dare<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">- 66 -</a></span> -<span class="i1">The purple heath, or where the wild thyme grows,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And yellow load them with the luscious spoil.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Thomson.</span></p></div> - -<p>That flowers impart a portion of their flavour -to honey, seems to be generally admitted, though -probably not so much as some have imagined. It -is not to be supposed that the bee confines itself, -in this country at least, to a few particular -flowers,—it ranges through a great variety; excellent -honey has been produced where the bees -had little access to any flowers but those of nettles -and other weeds.</p> - -<p>Still however the balm of Pontus, the thyme of -Hymettus, and the rosemary of Narbonne, are generally -supposed, from their aromatic flowers, to -give its peculiar excellence to the celebrated -honey of those places.</p> - -<p>It should seem therefore that <i>rosemary</i> might -prove of importance in the neighbourhood of an -apiary, by improving the quality and increasing -the quantity of honey in certain seasons, viz. -if the weather were very hot and dry, when it -blossomed; for it never affords much honey in -this country, excepting in such a season. It blossoms -the earliest of aromatic herbs, and should -of course be planted in a southern aspect.</p> - -<p>Having said thus much upon the power which -flowers possess of imparting a peculiar flavour to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">- 67 -</a></span> -the honey which is extracted from them, I will -now advert to what has been stated relative to -their impregnating it with deleterious qualities. -During the celebrated retreat of the ten thousand, -as recorded by Xenophon in his <i>Memorabilia</i>, the -soldiers sucked some honey-combs in a place near -Trebizonde, where was a great number of bee-hives, -and in consequence became intoxicated, -and were attacked with vomiting and purging. -He states that they did not recover their senses -for twenty-four hours, nor their strength for three -or four days. Tournefort, when travelling in Asia, -bearing in mind this account of Xenophon, was very -diligent in his endeavours to ascertain its truth, -and had good reason to be satisfied respecting it. -He concluded that the honey had been extracted -from a shrub growing in the neighbourhood of -Trebizonde, which is well known to produce the -before-mentioned effects, and even to disturb the -head by its odour. From his description and -that of others, the plant from which this honey -was extracted, appears to be the <i>Rhododendron -ponticum</i> or <i>Azalea pontica</i> of Linnæus, both nearly -allied to each other, and growing abundantly in -that part of the country. The smell resembles -honey-suckle, but is much stronger. Father Lamberti -confirms Xenophon’s account, by stating -similar effects to have been produced by the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">- 68 -</a></span> -honey of Colchis or Mingrelia, where this shrub -is also common.</p> - -<p>Dr. Darwin, in his “Temple of Nature,” states -that some plants afford a honey which is intoxicating -and poisonous to man, and that what is -afforded by others is so injurious to the bees themselves, -that sometimes they will not collect it. -And Dr. Barton, in the American Philosophical -Transactions, has stated that, in the autumn and -winter of 1790, the honey collected near Philadelphia -proved fatal to many, in consequence of -which, a minute inquiry was instituted under the -direction of the American Government, when it -was ascertained satisfactorily, that the fatal honey -had been chiefly extracted from the flowers of the -<i>Kalmia latifolia</i>. Still more recently, two persons -at New York are said to have lost their lives by -eating wild honey, which was supposed to have -been gathered from the flowers of the dwarf laurel, -a thriving shrub in the American woods. I shall -resume this subject in <a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">Chap. 24</a>, on Bee-maladies.</p> - -<p>It appears also that at the time of the inquiry -set on foot by the American Government, similar -fatal consequences were produced among those -who had eaten the common American pheasant, -which, on examination, was found to arise from -the pheasants having fed upon the leaves of the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">- 69 -</a></span> -same plant <i>Kalmia latifolia</i>. This led to a public -proclamation prohibiting the use of the pheasant -for food during that season.</p> - -<p>As most of the plants here enumerated are -now introduced into our gardens, they might be -supposed to injure the British honey. Most probably, -however, their proportion to the whole of -the flowers in bloom is too small to produce any -such inconvenience; whereas on their native continent -they exclusively cover whole tracts of -country.</p> - -<p>I cannot close this chapter on Bee-Pasturage, -without adverting to what Linnæus has said of -the <i>Fritillaria imperialis</i> or <i>crown imperial</i>, and of -the <i>Melianthus</i> or <i>honey-flower</i>. Of the former, -he observes that “no plant, melianthus alone excepted, -abounds so much with honey, yet the bees -do not collect it.” Of the latter he remarks “that -if it be shaken, whilst in flower, it distils a shower -of nectar.” This observation applies more particularly -to the <i>Melianthus major</i>. And with respect -to the <i>Fritillaria</i>, Dr. Evans says, “that the -bees do sometimes visit it; and he thinks that they -would do so oftener, but for the disagreeable fox-like -smell that emanates from it.”</p> - -<p>The <i>liquidambar</i> and <i>liriodendrum</i>, or <i>tulip-tree</i>, -both which are so ornamental, the former to our -shrubberies and the latter to larger plantations, -have been much extolled, as affording food for -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">- 70 -</a></span> -bees. The liquidambar bears bright saffron-coloured -flowers, and highly perfumed and glossy -leaves, and its whole rind exudes a fragrant gum. -The liriodendrum is crowned with large bell-shaped -blossoms, of every rainbow hue, which -give it a very splendid appearance.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">- 71 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">HONEY-DEW.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">T</span>he</span> term <span class="smcap">honey-dew</span> is applied to those sweet -clammy drops that glitter on the foliage of many -trees in hot weather. The name of this substance -would seem to import, that it is a deposition from -the atmosphere, and this has been the generally -received opinion respecting it, particularly among -the ancients; it is an opinion still prevalent among -the husbandmen, who suppose it to fall from the -heavens: <span class="smcap">Virgil</span> speaks of “Aërii mellis cœlestia -dona:” and <span class="smcap">Pliny</span> expresses his doubts, “sive -ille est cœli sudor, sive quædam siderum saliva, -sive purgantis se aëris succus.” The Rev. <span class="smcap">Gilbert -White</span>, in his Naturalist’s Calendar, regards -honey-dew as the effluvia of flowers, evaporated -and drawn up into the atmosphere by the heat of -the weather, and falling down again in the night -with the dews that entangle them. But if this -were the case, the fall would be indiscriminate, -and we should not have it confined to particular -trees and shrubs, nor would it be found upon -green-house and other covered plants. Some naturalists -have regarded honey-dew as an exudation -or secretion from the surface of those leaves -upon which it is found, produced by some atmospheric -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">- 72 -</a></span> -stroke, which has injured their health. -<span class="smcap">Dr. Darwin</span> stands in this class. Others have -viewed it as a kind of vegetable perspiration, -which the trees emit for their relief in sultry -weather; its appearance being never observed in -a cold ungenial summer. Dr. <span class="smcap">Evans</span> is of this -opinion, and makes the following comparative remark: -“As the glutinous sweat of the negro -enables him to bear the fervours of his native -clime, far better than the lymph-perspiring European; -so the saccharine dew of the orange, and -the fragrant gum of the Cretan cistus, may preserve -them amidst the heats even of the torrid -zone.” Mr. <span class="smcap">Curtis</span> has given it as his opinion -that the honey-dew is an excrementitious matter, -voided by the aphis or vine-fretter, an insect -which he regards as the general cause of what are -called blights. He assures us that he never, in a -single instance, observed the honey-dew unattended -with aphids.</p> - -<p>I believe it will be found that <i>there are at least -two sorts of honey-dew; the one a secretion from the -surface of the leaf</i>, occasioned by one of the causes -just alluded to, <i>the other a deposition from the body -of the aphis</i>. Sir <span class="smcap">J. E. Smith</span> observes of the -sensible perspiration of plants, that “when watery, -it can be considered only as a condensation of -their insensible evaporation, perhaps from some -sudden change in the atmosphere. Groves of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">- 73 -</a></span> -poplar or willow exhibit this phenomenon, even -in England, in hot calm weather, when drops of -clear water trickle from their leaves, like a slight -shower of rain. Sometimes this secretion is of a -saccharine nature, as <span class="smcap">De la Hire</span> observed in -orange trees.” “It is somewhat glutinous in the -tilia or lime-tree, rather resinous in poplars, as -well as in <i>Cistus creticus</i>.” “Ovid has made an -elegant use of the resinous exudations of Lombardy -poplars, which he supposes to be the tears -of Phaëton’s sisters, who were transformed into -those trees. Such exudations must be considered -as effusions of the peculiar secretions; for it has -been observed that manna may be scraped from -the leaves of <i>Fraxinus ornus</i>, as well as be procured -from its stem by incision. They are often -perhaps a sign of unhealthiness in the plant; at -least such appears to be the nature of one kind of -honey-dew, found in particular upon the beech, -which, in consequence of an unfavourable wind, -has its leaves often covered with a sweet exudation, -similar in flavour to the liquor obtained from -its trunk. So likewise the hop, according to <span class="smcap">Linnæus</span>, -is affected with the honey-dew, and its -flowers are rendered abortive, in consequence of -the attacks of the caterpillar of the Ghost moth -(<i>Phalæna Humuli</i>) upon its roots. In such case -the saccharine exudation must decidedly be of a -morbid nature.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">- 74 -</a></span></p> - -<p>The other kind of honey-dew which is derived -from the aphis, appears to be the favourite food -of ants, and is thus spoken of by Messrs. <span class="smcap">Kirby</span> -and <span class="smcap">Spence</span>, in their late valuable Introduction to -Entomology. “The loves of the ants and the -aphides have long been celebrated; and that there -is a connexion between them you may at any -time in the proper season, convince yourself; for -you will always find the former very busy on -those trees and plants on which the latter abound; -and if you examine more closely, you will discover -that the object of the ants, in thus attending upon -the aphides, is to obtain the saccharine fluid secreted -by them, which may well be denominated -their milk. This fluid, which is scarcely inferior -to honey in sweetness, issues in limpid drops from -the abdomen of these insects, not only by the ordinary -passage, but also by two setiform tubes -placed, one on each side, just above it. Their -sucker being inserted in the tender bark, is without -intermission employed in absorbing the sap, -which, after it has passed through the system, -they keep continually discharging by these organs. -When no ants attend them, by a certain jerk of -the body, which takes place at regular intervals, -they ejaculate it to a distance.” The power of -ejecting the fluid from their bodies, seems to have -been wisely instituted to preserve cleanliness in -each individual fly, and indeed for the preservation -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">- 75 -</a></span> -of the whole family; for pressing as they do -upon one another, they would otherwise soon be -glued together, and rendered incapable of stirring. -“When the ants are at hand, watching the moment -at which the aphides emit their fluid, they seize -and suck it down immediately: this however is -the least of their talents; for the ants absolutely -possess the art of making the aphides yield it at -their pleasure; or in other words of milking them.” -The ant ascends the tree, says Linnæus, <i>that it -may milk its cows the aphides</i>, not kill them. -Huber informs us that the liquor is voluntarily -given out by the aphis, when solicited by the ant, -the latter tapping the aphis gently, but repeatedly -with its antennæ, and using the same motions as -when caressing its own young. He thinks, when -the ants are not at hand to receive it, that the -aphis retains the liquor for a longer time, and -yields it freely and apparently without the least -detriment to itself, for even when it has acquired -wings, it shows no disposition to escape. A single -aphis supplies many ants with a plentiful meal. -The ants occasionally form an establishment for -their aphides, constructing a building in a secure -place, at a distance from their own city, to which, -after fortifying it, they transport those insects, and -confine them under a guard, like cows upon a -dairy farm, to supply the wants of the metropolis. -The aphides are provided with a hollow pointed -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">- 76 -</a></span> -proboscis, folded under the breast, when the insects -are not feeding, with which instrument they -puncture the turgid vessels of the leaf, leaf-stalk -or bark, and suck with great avidity their contents, -which are expelled nearly unchanged, so that however -fabulous it may appear, they may literally be -said to void a liquid sugar. On looking steadfastly -at a group of these insects (<i>Aphides Salicis</i>) while -feeding on the bark of the willow, their superior -size enables us to perceive some of them elevating -their bodies and emitting a transparent substance -in the form of a small shower.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Nor scorn ye now, fond elves, the foliage sear,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">When the light aphids, arm’d with puny spear.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Probe each emulgent vein till bright below<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Like falling stars, clear drops of nectar glow.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>The <i>willow</i> accommodates the bees in a kind of -threefold succession, the farina of the flowers -yielding spring food for their young,—the bark -giving out propolis for sealing the hives of fresh -swarms,—and the leaves shining with honey-dew -in the midst of summer scarcity. But to return -to the aphides. “These insects may also be seen -distinctly, with a strong magnifier, on the leaves -of the hazel, lime, &c. but invariably on the inferior -surface, piercing the vessels, and expelling -the honey-dew from their hinder parts with considerable -force.” “These might easily have escaped -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">- 77 -</a></span> -the observation of the earlier philosophers, -being usually concealed within the curl of the -leaves that are punctured.” The drops that are -spurted out, unless intercepted by the surrounding -foliage, or some other interposing body, fall upon -the ground, and the spots may often be observed, -for some time, beneath the trees affected with -honey-dew, till washed away by the rain. When -the leaves of the kidney-bean are affected by -honey-dew, their surface assumes the appearance -of having been sprinkled with soot.</p> - -<p>Honey-dew usually appears upon the leaves, as -a viscid, transparent substance, sweet as honey, -sometimes in the form of globules, at others resembling -a syrup, and is generally most abundant -from the middle of June to the middle of July.</p> - -<p>It is found chiefly upon the <i>oak</i>, the <i>elm</i>, the -<i>maple</i>, the <i>plane</i>, the <i>sycamore</i>, the <i>lime</i>, the <i>hazel</i> -and the <i>blackberry</i>; occasionally also on the <i>cherry</i>, -<i>currant</i>, and other fruit trees. Sometimes only -one species of trees is affected at a time. The -oak generally affords the largest quantity. At -the season of its greatest abundance, the happy -humming noise of the bees may be heard at a considerable -distance from the trees, sometimes nearly -equalling in loudness the united hum of swarming. -Of the <i>plane</i> there are two sorts; the <i>oriental</i> and -the <i>occidental</i>, both highly ornamental trees, and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">- 78 -</a></span> -much regarded in hot climates for the cooling -shade they afford.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Jamque ministrantem Platanum potantibus umbram.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Virgil.</span></p></div> - -<p>The ancients so much respected the former that -they used to refresh its roots with wine instead of -water, believing, as Sir William Temple has observed, -that “this tree loved that liquor, as well as -those who used to drink under its shade.”</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Crevit et affuso latior umbra mero.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Virgil.</span></p></div> - -<p>The <i>sycamore</i> has been discarded from the situation -it used formerly to hold, near the mansions -of the convivial, owing to the bees crowding to -banquet on its profusion of honey-dew, and occasioning -an early fall of its leaves. The <i>lime</i> or -<i>linden</i> tree has been regarded as doubly acceptable -to the bees, on account of its fragrant blossoms -and its honey-dewed leaves appearing both together, -amidst the oppressive heats of the dog-days; -but it seems doubtful whether the flowers -have any attraction but their fragrance, as they -are said to have no honey-cup.</p> - -<p>It is of great importance to apiarians who reside -in the vicinity of such trees as are apt to be -affected with honey-dew, to keep their bees on -the storifying plan, where additional room can at -all times be provided for them at pleasure, as -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">- 79 -</a></span> -during the time of a honey-dew, more honey will -be collected in one week than will be afforded by -flowers in several. So great is the ardour of the -bees on these occasions, and so rapid are their -movements, that it is often dangerous to be placed -betwixt the hives and the dews.</p> - -<p>That species of honey-dew which is secreted -from the surface of the leaves, appears to have -been first noticed by the <span class="smcap">Abbé Boissier de Sauvages</span>. -He observed it upon the old leaves of -the holm-oak and upon those of the blackberry, -but not upon the young leaves of either; and he -remarked at the same time, that neighbouring -trees of a different sort were exempt from it: -among these latter he noticed the mulberry tree, -“which,” says he, “is a very particular circumstance, -for this juice” (honey-dew) “is a deadly -poison to silk-worms.”</p> - -<p>Some years do not afford any honey-dew, it -generally occurs pretty extensively once in four -or five years.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">- 80 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">PURCHASE OF BEES.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">E</span>very</span> one who meditates the establishment of -an apiary, should be able to distinguish a good -from a bad hive of bees, that he may detect imposition, -if it should be attempted, when he is purchasing -his first swarms or stocks. Bees are -commonly purchased in the spring or in the autumn. -The value of a hive of bees, purchased -in the spring, if it be a recent swarm, may be -ascertained by its weight, which should not be -less than four or five pounds, on the day of swarming. -But the weight <i>alone</i>, of a <i>stock</i> hive, is not -a criterion of its worth; several other circumstances -are to be considered,—for the worst <i>stock</i> -hives often weigh the heaviest. Still if a stock-hive -be a swarm of the current year, which is always -desirable, weight may be regarded <i>in a -great</i> degree, as a <i>criterion of value</i>, its quantity -of heterogeneous matters being probably inconsiderable. -Such a hive, purchased in the autumn, -should not weigh less than from twenty-five -to thirty pounds, and should contain about half a -bushel of bees.</p> - -<p>There are surer grounds, however, upon which -its value may be determined.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">- 81 -</a></span></p> - -<p>1st. The combs should be of a pale colour, as -dark ones denote age; though even in this there -may be deception, for old combs may be lengthened -out and bordered with new wax.</p> - -<p>2ndly. The combs should be worked down to -the floor of the hive.</p> - -<p>3rdly. The interstices of the combs should be -crowded with bees.</p> - -<p>All these points may be safely ascertained, by -gently turning up the hive in an evening, when -the bees are at rest. It may be well also to notice -the proceedings of the bees in the day-time. If -when they quit the hive, to range the fields, they -depart in quick succession and without lingering -about; and if the entrance be well guarded by -sentinels; these are pretty sure indications of a -prosperous hive.</p> - -<p>The hive, when purchased, should be raised -gently from the stool, some hours prior to its removal, -and be supported by wedges, that the bees -may not cluster on the floor, as this would be -productive of inconvenience at the time of their -removal. After being wedged up, the hive should -remain undisturbed till night, when, being placed -upon a proper board, it should be carried away -carefully, and placed at once where it is intended -to remain, unless it be a recent swarm which is to -be removed into a box.—The mode of proceeding -in this case will be noticed hereafter.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">- 82 -</a></span></p> - -<p>The bees of a hive, recently removed, if purchased -of a near neighbour, or if the weather be -cold, should be confined for a day or two, or else -many of them, after flying about in quest of provision, -will be lost; in the one case, by returning -to their old habitation, and in the other, by being -chilled to death, in searching for their new one.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">- 83 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">BEE-BOXES.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">T</span>here</span> has been some difference of opinion as to -<i>the most suitable dimensions of bee-boxes</i>. I prefer -those of Keys, which are twelve inches square -and nine inches deep, <i>in the clear</i>. The <i>best wood</i> -for them is <i>red cedar</i>, the fragrance of which is -regarded by some as agreeable to the bees; but -the chief grounds of preference are its effect in -keeping moths out of the boxes, and its being a -bad conductor of heat, from its lightness and -sponginess. Whatever kind of wood be made -use of, it should be well seasoned; <i>yellow deal</i> -answers the purpose very well. The sides of the -boxes should be an inch thick, and the bars on -the top three quarters of an inch, about an inch -and half wide, and six in number, which will leave -an interspace between each of about half an inch. -At the back of each box, a pane of glass should -be fixed in a small rabbet, which may be covered -with a half inch door, hung with wire hinges and -fastened by a button.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">- 84 -</a></span></p> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 298px;"> -<img src="images/page84.png" width="298" height="178" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>The size of the door may be suited to the wishes -of the apiarian: as this door will only give a view -of the centre combs, in case of their being constructed -in a line with the bars, or of one or more -of the external combs, in case of their being attached -at right angles with the bars or diagonally, -it will be desirable to have a pane of glass in each -side also, that the proprietor may be enabled to -judge at any time of the stock of honey contained -in the box. These small glass windows will seldom -do more than afford the proprietor an opportunity -of ascertaining the strength of his stock of -bees, and the quantity of honey they have in store; -if he wish to see more particularly the operations -of the labourers, or to witness the survey which -the queen now and then takes of them, he may -have a large bell-glass, surmounted by a straw-hive, -which latter may be occasionally raised, for -the purpose of inspection.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“By this blest art our ravish’d eyes behold,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">The singing Masons build their roofs of gold,<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">- 85 -</a></span> -<span class="i1">And mingling multitudes perplex the view,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Yet all in order apt their tasks pursue;<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Still happier they, whose favour’d ken hath seen<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Pace slow and silent round, the state’s fair queen.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>An opportunity of beholding the proceedings -of the queen is so very rarely afforded, that many -apiarians have passed their lives without enjoying -it; and Reaumur himself, even with the assistance -of a glass-hive, acknowledges that he was many -years before he had that pleasure. Those who have -been so fortunate, agree in representing her majesty -as being very slow and dignified in her movements, -and as being constantly surrounded by a -guard of about a dozen bees, who seem to pay her -great homage, and always to have their faces turned -towards her, like courtiers, in the presence of -royalty.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“But mark, of royal port, and awful mien,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Where moves with measur’d pace the <span class="smcap">Insect Queen</span>!<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Twelve chosen guards, with slow and solemn gait.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Bend at her nod, and round her person wait.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>Mr. Dunbar’s observations, upon the movements -of the queen in his mirror-hive, do not -correspond altogether with what is here stated. -He says that he did not find her majesty attended -in her progress by a guard, but that wherever she -moved the way was cleared; that the heads of -the workers whom she passed upon her route were -always turned towards her, that they fawned upon -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">- 86 -</a></span> -and caressed her, touching her softly with their -antennæ; but that as soon as she moved onwards, -they resumed their labours, whilst all that she -passed in succession paid her the same homage. -This sort of <i>homage</i> is only <i>paid to fertile queens;</i> -whilst they continue virgins, they are not treated -with much respect.</p> - -<p>The queen is very numerously surrounded, when -depositing her first eggs in the cells, her attendants -then cling to one another and form a living -curtain before her, so completely impenetrable to -our eyes, as to preclude all observation of her -proceedings; unless the apiarian use the leaf-hive -of Huber, or the mirror-hive of Dunbar, it is -hardly possible to snatch a sight of her, excepting -when she lays her eggs near the exterior parts of -the combs. The manner in which bees attach -themselves to each other, when forming a curtain, -or when suspending themselves from a bough, or -taking their repose, is, by each bee, with its two -fore-claws, taking hold of the two hinder legs of -the one next above it, thus forming as it were a -perfect grape-like cluster or living garland. Even -when thus intertwined with each other, as Swammerdam -has observed, they can fly off’ from the -bunch, and perch on it again, or make their way -out from the very centre of the cluster, and rush -into the air. This mode of suspension, so voluntarily -adopted, must be agreeable to them, though -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">- 87 -</a></span> -the uppermost bees evidently bear the weight of -all the rest. Mr. Wildman supposes that they -have a power of distending themselves with air, -like fishes, by which they acquire buoyancy.</p> - -<p>Each set of boxes must have one <i>close cover</i>, -which should be an inch thick and well clamped -at each end to prevent warping, as a considerable -quantity of steam arises from the bees at certain -seasons. The top, being intended to take off and -on, should be secured by means of four screws, -each placed about an inch and a half from the -respective corners; and it should also be fitted -to, and screwed down upon, all the boxes before -any of them are used, that whenever it may be -necessary to remove, or to add a box, the change -may be effected with the utmost promptitude. -Long taper screws, as nearly of the same size as -possible, should be selected for fastening on the -tops, and be dipped in grease before put in, to facilitate -their removal. Each set of boxes must -also have a <i>loose floor</i>, an inch thick and extending -about an inch and half beyond the back and -sides of the boxes. The outlet for the bees is -usually cut in the lower edge of the boxes, but I -have found it much more convenient to have it -formed by sinking the floor half of its thickness -at the centre of its front edge. The width of the -part sunk should be about four inches, and should -gradually diminish in depth till it reach the centre -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">- 88 -</a></span> -of the board. The sloping direction thus given -will, in case of beating rain or condensed steam -falling upon it, prevent any wet from lodging within -the hive. The floor must also be clamped at -the ends, to prevent warping, though the superincumbent -weight renders it less liable to be warped -than the top. Either on the right or left hand -side of the entrance, as may be most convenient, a -<i>groove</i> must be cut half an inch deep and half an -inch wide; to this groove a <i>slide</i> must be fitted -(made to run easily), for the purpose of closing the -box, and preventing the egress or ingress of the -bees, as occasion may require.</p> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 240px;"> -<img src="images/page88.png" width="240" height="197" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>A <i>centre board</i> between each tier of boxes will -likewise be convenient; it should be of the same -size as the floor, and have an oblong hole about -six inches by four in the middle, to give liberty to -the bees to pass from box to box. Apiaries should -always have a few supernumerary boards of each -sort, and also some supernumerary boxes.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">- 89 -</a></span></p> - -<p>As the boxes and boards require to be made -with great accuracy, that they may be nicely -adapted to each other, a good joiner should be -employed to construct them; for if there be any -crevices the bees will, according to their invariable -custom, fill them with propolis, and thereby waste -their valuable time. The square boxes which I -have described are the simplest of any, in their -form: some persons prefer the octagon or hexagon -form; in some situations, if windows be placed -in the three posterior sides, those forms may be -more convenient for exhibiting the operations of -the bees, or the store of honey in the combs; but -they are more expensive and more cumbrous, if -made as capacious as the square ones; and these -latter answer the intended purposes so well, as to -satisfy completely those who have used them. -Although I have endeavoured to give a clear description -of the form and mode of constructing a -bee-box and its appendages, probably it may be -more satisfactory to young beginners to obtain a -sight or a model of them, I refer them therefore -to Mr. Hughes, joiner, Ross, Herefordshire, or to -Mr. John Milton, 10, Great Marybone Street.</p> - -<p>I cannot dismiss this part of my subject, without -saying a few words respecting <i>the hive of -Huish</i>, which is contrived with the view of allowing -the removal of the exterior bars, that support -the honey-combs, without disturbing the brood-combs. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">- 90 -</a></span> -The principle of this hive appears to be -very good, but I doubt whether it will come into -general use; for as bees are not very tractable -creatures, they are not likely to construct their -combs in direct lines, so as to attach one singly to -each of Mr. Huish’s bars: the tops of the boxes -which I use are constructed like Huish’s, yet I -never saw an instance in which the combs did not -either cross those bars at right angles, or connect -themselves in some way or other with two or -three bars, so as to render it impracticable to remove -a comb or two from the outsides, in the -manner that Huish proposes. The sole advantage -of Huish’s hive consists in this undisturbing -mode of removal; and could it be effected, -honey might be extracted without withdrawing -any of the stored pollen or propolis, or molesting -the brood in the centre combs; an inconvenience -which, it must be admitted, may be charged upon -the storifying system, though I hope I have, in my -chapter or Deprivation, pointed out a method that -will, in a very great degree, if not entirely, remedy -this inconvenience. Huish, in his instructions -for using his hives, admits the difficulty -which I have here stated, as to the attachment of -a single comb to more than one bar, and gives -particular directions how to proceed on such occasions; -but even under tolerably favourable circumstances, -the recommended operation would -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">- 91 -</a></span> -require considerable nicety, and no small portion -of courage; in some cases the difficulty would -be completely insurmountable. A hive very similar -to that of Huish is described in Wheeler’s -Travels. He states it to be in use in the neighbourhood -of Mount Hymettus. “The hives,” -says he, “in which they keep their bees, are -made of willow or osiers fashioned like our common -dust-baskets, wide at top and narrow at bottom.” -“These tops are covered with broad flat -sticks, along which the bees fasten their combs, -so that a comb may be taken out whole.” We -are informed, by Reaumur and Du Hamel, that -this Greek method of keeping bees and taking -honey was introduced into France in 1754. If -it had succeeded, either in France or in this country, -I think we should have heard more of it.</p> - -<p>The only way in which I conceive that Huish’s -idea can be followed up effectually, is, by employing -the experimental hive of Huber; but the majority -of persons who undertake the management -of bees, will look to them as a source of profit; -and to these the expense of such a hive would -render it completely unavailable. Huber’s first -experiments were made in single leaf-hives an -inch and a half wide; his latter trials, on several -of these connected together, each an inch and a -quarter wide, which left the same room for the -passage of the bees as the single hive. See <a href="#CHAPTER_XI">Chapter XI.</a> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">- 92 -</a></span> -Reaumur’s hives consisted of wooden -frames, with glass windows, but of such a width, -as to allow the bees to construct two combs parallel -to each other. This form is unfavourable, -inasmuch as it conceals from the observer whatever -passes between them.</p> - -<p>Mr. Thorley, who practised the plan of super-hiving, -surmounted his <i>octagon boxes</i> and flat-topped -hives, with a <i>large bell-glass</i>, over which -he placed a common straw-hive, to take on and -off. From an extract which I have made from -Dr. Evans’s book in the chapter on Instincts, he -appears to have adopted this method.</p> - -<p>It was by the aid of similar glasses that Maraldi -was enabled to give to the world so accurate -an account of the natural history and labours of -bees.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Long from the eye of man and face of day,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Involv’d in darkness all their customs lay,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Until a Sage, well vers’d in Nature’s lore,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">A genius form’d all science to explore,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Hives well contriv’d in crystal frames dispos’d,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And there the busy citizens inclos’d.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Murphy’s Vaniere.</span></p></div> - -<p>Wildman also, in addition to his usual mode of -keeping bees, upon the storifying plan, occasionally -employed flat-topped hives surmounted by a -large bell-glass; and at the close of his Treatise -we are informed that he had latterly adopted -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">- 93 -</a></span> -another method of super-hiving, which is still -practised by apiarians of the present day. Instead -of employing one large glass, he made use -of <i>four</i> or <i>five small ones</i>, each holding about a -pint; and those who are fond of using honey fresh -from the hive, will find this a convenient mode of -keeping their bees, though probably not so profitable -a one as the general plan of storifying. A -stock of these hives and glasses, on the most approved -construction, is kept constantly ready -for sale at Mr. John Milton’s, 10, Great Marybone -Street. The bees, upon this plan, are -hived in the usual way, the top board being kept -closed, till the glasses are placed over it, which -may be done as soon as convenient after the hive -has been put in the situation in which it is intended -to remain. The glasses and top board should -be covered with a common straw-hive, to exclude -the light, as bees are found to work best in the -dark. When the glasses are sufficiently filled -with combs and honey,—and this period will very -much depend upon the season,—if the bees still remain -in them, placing an empty hive under the -full one win generally cause them to descend, -and facilitate the removal of the glasses, which -may take place as often as the harvest of honey -will admit, consistently with the leaving of a -full winter’s supply for the bees. See chapter -on Nadir-hiving. The usual mode of taking -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">- 94 -</a></span> -the honey in these glasses is, first to cut off -the communication between them and the hive -on which they stand, by loosening the thumbscrew -in the centre, and turning the board so far -round as to close the openings; then, by means of -a thin spatula, separating the glasses from their -adhesion, and either carrying them, inverted, a -short distance from the hive, into a shady place, -or raising each glass by means of a wedge, and -leaving it thus for about an hour. In either case -the bees will quit the glasses and return to the -family by the usual entrance. To effect the removal, -I think it preferable to use two flat pieces -of tin, after the manner of dividers, placing the -tins successively under each glass, carrying it away -upon one, and leaving the other over the opening -till the glass has been emptied and replaced or -another substituted in its room: and where it is -wished to take only one or two glasses, this mode -must always be adopted. The bees will rarely -fill more than one set of glasses, during the first -year; though in future years, if the season be favourable, -they may be expected to fill two sets. -The best time for removal is the middle of a fine -day, when the greatest number of bees are roaming -the fields. This method of management will -not prevent the bees from swarming, unless it be -combined with storifying, which it very easily -may.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">- 95 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">HIVES.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">B</span>ee-hives</span> have been formed with various materials, -the selection of which has depended partly -upon the country or district in which they have -been used, and partly upon the fancy of the apiarian. -<i>Osiers</i>, <i>rushes</i>, <i>segs</i> and <i>straw</i> have all -been in requisition for forming hives, and Bonner, -an eminent bee-master in Scotland, proposes -to have them made of <i>earthenware</i>. In North -America, according to Brookes, they are formed -out of <i>the hollow trunks of the liquidambar tree</i>, -cut to a proper length and covered with a board -to keep out the rain: for the same purpose the -people in Apulia use <i>the trunk of the giant fennel</i>, -after clearing away its fungous pith. In Egypt, -says Hasselquist, bee-keepers make their hives of -<i>coal dust and clay</i>, which being well blended together, -is formed into hollow cylinders, of a span -diameter, and from six to twelve feet long; these -being dried in the sun, become so hard as to be -handled at will. “I saw some thousands of these -hives,” says our author, “at a village between -Damietta and Mansora; they composed a wall -round a house, after having become unserviceable -in the use they were first made for.”—Voyages -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">- 96 -</a></span> -and Travels in the Levant, &c. By Fred. Hasselquist, -B.D.</p> - -<p>Under the head of Storifying, I have given a -history of the discovery and progressive improvement -of boxes and storifying hives, and shall -chiefly confine myself, in this chapter, to the form -and dimensions of hives. The common bell-shaped -straw-hives used by the cottagers are too -well known to need remark. Premising, therefore, -that the <i>Chelmsford</i> and <i>Hertford hives</i> are -considered as the handsomest shaped and best -formed, I shall limit my observations to the <i>straw</i> hives -which may be employed for storifying, as -some persons may prefer straw to wood. These -have been called <i>Moreton-hives</i>, on account of -their form <i>only</i>, the material of which they were -made being reeds and not straw. The <i>best straw</i> -for constructing hives is that of <i>unblighted rye, -and unthrashed</i> is preferable to thrashed straw; -for being smooth and entire, the bees will be -spared a good deal of trouble, as they invariably -nibble away the rough sharp spiculæ that they -find on the inner surface of a new hive. The -ears of corn may be dissevered from the straw -by a chaff-cutter, and thrashed with other corn. -The most approved size for a storifying straw-hive -is nine inches high by twelve inches wide, <i>in -the clear</i>, the diameter being the same from top -to bottom. The importance of having all bee-boxes -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">- 97 -</a></span> -made of the same dimensions has been already -dwelt upon, and it is of course of equal importance -with respect to straw-hives. The upper -and lower edges should be made as smooth as -possible; which effect will be greatly promoted, -by placing them, soon after making, between two -flat boards with a 56lb. weight upon the uppermost, -and leaving them in that position for a day -or two. Within the upper row of straw, a small -hoop should be worked, for the purpose of nailing -a board or some wooden bars to it, and within -the bottom row a piece of wood should also be -worked over the part where the bees are to pass -in and out, to allow of a more easy movement of -the slide in the floor board. It would be an improvement -if the hoop were perforated through -its whole course with a wimble bit, that it might -be stitched with willow or bramble splits, to the -upper round of straw, instead of being worked in -with it; and if a hoop were also stitched in a similar -manner to the lower round of straw, the lower -edge of it could be planed, sufficiently smooth, to -lie on the middle or floor boards, as closely as a -box, which would render the use of mortar or -other luting unnecessary. The stitch holes in -the hoop should be filled with putty, after the -hive has been finished. If bars be made use of, -they should be of the same width, and placed at -the same distances from each other, as recommended -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">- 98 -</a></span> -for the boxes, and the vacancies, that -would otherwise be left between the ends of the -bars, should be made quite level, with bits of -wood, cow-dung, or any other convenient substance. -If a single board be used, that, of course, -must be cut into bars of the proper widths. The -direction of the bars should always be from front -to back.</p> - -<p>Middle boards and floors will be equally required -for storifying hives as for boxes; but the outside -covers should be made of straw, like round mats, -and be wide enough to extend an inch beyond the -edges of the hives, if used in an out-door apiary. -The whole story should be covered with a good -<i>hackel</i> or <i>cap</i>, secured in its place by an iron -hoop or a properly weighted wooden one, to prevent -it from being blown down. As clean fresh -rye straw is most suitable for constructing the -hive itself, so it will be the best for forming the -hackel with: the latter should be changed before -it begins to decay, that it may not become offensive -to the bees from its odour, nor be selected -by insects as a nidus for their eggs.</p> - -<p>The apiarian, if he be desirous of having glass -windows in his straw-hives, may accomplish this -object by cutting with a sharp knife through two -of the bands of straw, in two places, about three -inches asunder. The windows are generally cut -opposite the entrance, and about the centre, but -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">- 99 -</a></span> -may be made at any part of the hive. The ends -of the cut straw-bands may be secured by stitches -of packthread, or, what is better, with softened -mole snap wire, and the panes of glass may be -fastened with putty.</p> - -<p>Out-door hives should have a protection not -only of straw caps, but of a <i>shed</i> also, which if -made open in <i>front only</i>, would afford much shelter -against driving rains and high winds; but the -most complete shed is made with folding or sliding -doors <i>at the back</i>, and is closed at the sides, -and in front, with the exception of such openings -as may be necessary for the entrance of the bees -and for their accommodation in bad weather. This -shed renders hackels unnecessary, and is adapted -either to storifying or single-hiving. In the annexed -plate is a back view of it, with hives arranged -in different ways.</p> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 409px;"> -<img src="images/page99.png" width="409" height="314" alt="" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">- 100 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES OF WOODEN -BOXES AND STRAW HIVES.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">M</span>ost</span> of the writers who have instituted a comparison -between hives and boxes, have decided in -favour of the former. But it is to be recollected -that when forming this decision, these writers have -always had in their minds an out-door apiary, -for which situation, on account of their exposure to -the variations of temperature and the alternations -of drought and moisture, straw-hives possess advantages -over wooden boxes;—they are not so -soon affected by a hot and dry or by a moist atmosphere; -they do not part with so much heat -in winter nor admit so much in summer, straw -being, in the language of the chemists, a bad conductor -of heat. Being much cheaper than any -others, straw-hives are of course chosen by the -cottager.</p> - -<p>Upon the storifying system, and with the advantage -of a bee-house, I think wooden boxes -have a great superiority over straw-hives; they -are more firm and steady, better suited for observing -the operations of the bees through the -glass windows in the backs and sides, and less liable -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">- 101 -</a></span> -to harbour moths, spiders, and other insects; -they permit the combs, at the period of deprivation, -to be more easily separated from the sides -and tops, and if well made, have a much neater -appearance than straw-hives.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">- 102 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">LEAF HIVES.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">N</span>arrow</span> hives, with large glazed doors on each -side, have been recommended by apiarian writers, -for exposing the operations of bees. That -of <span class="smcap">Reaumur</span> was too wide: it allowed the construction -of two parallel combs, by which of -course, the apiarian was precluded from making -any useful observations, upon the proceedings of -the bees, in their interspace. <span class="smcap">Bonnet</span> recommended -the use of a hive, the doors of which -should be only so far asunder as to allow the -building of one comb between them. This suggestion -was successfully adopted by <span class="smcap">Huber</span>; and to -prevent the bees from building short transverse -combs, instead of a single one, parallel to the -sides of the hive, he laid the foundation himself, -by fastening a piece of empty comb to the ceiling -of the box.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Huber’s</span> glass doors had only an interspace of -an inch and half betwixt them: in this hive the -bees could not cluster upon the surfaces of the -comb, and yet had room to pass freely over it. -Mr. <span class="smcap">John Hunter</span> recommended the diameter of -these narrow hives to be three inches, and the superficies -of the sides to be of sufficient size to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">- 103 -</a></span> -afford stowage for a summer’s work. Mr. <span class="smcap">Dunbar</span>, -with his mirror-hive, constructed somewhat -like Huber’s, has been able to make some interesting -observations on the œconomy of the bee. <i>Vide</i> -Edinburgh Philosophical Journal, vol. iii. The -distance of his glass doors from each other is one -inch and two thirds; the height and width of the -hive, according to the plan in the Journal, about -a foot. Across the centre of the mirror-hive Mr. -Dunbar introduced a light frame, which though -apparently dividing the hive into four compartments, -allowed the bees a free passage: they were -skreened from the light by a pair of folding shutters -on each side.</p> - -<p>Mr. Dunbar hived a small swarm in one of -these narrow boxes, in June 1819: the bees began -to build immediately, and he witnessed the whole -of their proceedings, every bee being exposed to -his view. The narrowness of their limits constrained -them, from the very commencement, to -work in divisions, so that four separate portions -of comb were begun and continued nearly at the -same time.</p> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 203px;"> -<img src="images/page103.png" width="203" height="150" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">- 104 -</a></span></p> - -<p>But this arrangement did not sufficiently employ -these industrious creatures; for contrary to their -usual mode of building, which is from above downwards, -they laid two other foundations of comb, -upon the upper parts of the cross sticks.</p> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 205px;"> -<img src="images/page104a.png" width="205" height="150" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>The bees now wrought upwards and downwards -at the same time, till the originally separate portions -were united and become one comb.</p> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 221px;"> -<img src="images/page104b.png" width="221" height="160" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>For want of proper precautions, the bees of this -hive perished, during the intense cold of January -1820.</p> - -<p>On the 25th of March following, Mr. Dunbar -introduced another swarm into the same unicomb -hive; and so early as the 27th, he saw the queen -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">- 105 -</a></span> -laying the eggs of workers. This second swarm -found plenty of honey and farina in the hive, left -by its former tenants. Other particulars reported -by Mr. Dunbar are detailed in the Chapters to -which they belong.</p> - -<p>These hives are of course only useful to the -amateur apiarian, who is in quest of information -or amusement.</p> - -<p>Huber carried the principle of this hive still -further: he joined several thin boxes together -with hinges: these boxes or wooden frames were -without glasses, and the hinges were so contrived -as to admit of easy removal. Every box or leaf -(as Huber called each separate frame), except the -two exterior, was reduced in thickness to an inch -and quarter, which, as there was a free communication -between all the leaves, afforded the same -liberty for the operations of the bees as the single -box that was an inch and half wide. This contrivance -gave him the power of opening the leaves -separately, and inspecting the proceedings of the -bees at all times: they soon became accustomed -to this treatment, and M. Huber was thus able to -examine any one of the divisions, without exciting -the anger of the bees. After they had properly -secured the pieces of comb which he had attached -to the roofs of the boxes, they were subjected to -a daily inspection by this indefatigable naturalist.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">- 106 -</a></span></p> - -<p>The preceding sketches may serve to show my -readers the progressive proceedings of the bees -in the unicomb hive, and the following outline -may give them a notion of the compound hive.</p> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 238px;"> -<img src="images/page106.png" width="238" height="250" alt="" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">- 107 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">DIVIDERS.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">T</span>he</span> apiarian who adopts the storifying plan, -should have <i>Keys’s dividers</i>, which consist of two -copper or brass plates, about the sixteenth of an -inch thick, fifteen inches wide, and fifteen and a -half long; the odd half inch, being turned up, -serves for the operator to lay hold of, when the -plates are withdrawn. Care should be taken that -the plates be perfect planes, well hardened by -hammering, and of proper thickness. If they exceed -the prescribed thickness, the bees may escape -as soon as the plates are partially introduced or -partially withdrawn; and if they be thinner, there -will be the same chance of escape from their want -of firmness and elasticity.</p> - -<p>These dividers greatly facilitate the various -operations which the apiarian has to perform, -and at the same time secure him from the attacks -of the bees.</p> - -<p>He should be provided with one of the <i>long-bladed -spatulas</i> or knives, used by apothecaries -and painters, which he will find useful in separating -the honey-combs from the sides of the hives -or boxes. In some cases it will also be necessary -to have <i>an iron instrument</i>, about ten inches long -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">- 108 -</a></span> -and half an inch wide, the end of which should be -<i>turned up about two inches</i> and be <i>double-edged</i>, -that it may cut both ways. This instrument, -which should be fixed in a wooden handle, being -passed between the combs, will enable the operator -to separate them from their attachment to the -bars.</p> - -<p>Those who make use of the Moreton-hives,—a -description of which is given in the chapter on -Hives,—should be furnished with two strips of -tin four inches by fifteen; these will protect the -straw bottoms of the upper hives during the introduction -of the dividers, and should be introduced -one on each side, the hives having been previously -dissevered by means of the spatula.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">- 109 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">STORIFYING.</p> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 299px;"> -<img src="images/page109.png" width="299" height="333" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">S</span>torifying</span> means the piling of hives or boxes -upon each other, as shown in the above plate, -and preserving a free communication between -them; a method which enables the apiarian to -take wax and honey without destroying the lives -of the bees.</p> - -<p>Attempts have been made to accomplish this -object in different ways. <span class="smcap">Thorley</span> placed empty -hives or boxes over full ones, <span class="smcap">Wildman</span> and <span class="smcap">Keys</span> -placed full boxes over empty ones, <span class="smcap">White</span> and -<span class="smcap">Madame Vicat</span> placed them collaterally.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">- 110 -</a></span></p> - -<p>Hives and boxes for storifying, as well as for observing -the operations of the bees, have been made -of various forms and dimensions, and of different -materials: such as straw, osiers, glass, and wood.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Aristotle</span>, <span class="smcap">Pliny</span>, and other ancient writers, -speak of contrivances for taking honey, and inspecting -the operations of the bees. Modern -writers, particularly <span class="smcap">Mouffet</span>, ridiculed the ineffectual -schemes of their brethren of antiquity, -and indeed they were very soon abandoned. The -way in which <i>they</i> endeavoured to accomplish -their objects, was by the introduction of transparent -substances into the sides of the hives or -boxes, such as <i>isinglass</i>, <i>horn</i> (<i>cornu laterna</i>), -<i>pellucid stone</i> (<i>lapis specularis</i>), probably <i>talc</i>, -which is still used in the Russian navy for cabin -windows, on account of its not being liable to -break by the percussion of the air during the -firing of cannon, or in tempestuous weather.</p> - -<p>Mr. <span class="smcap">Hartlib’s</span> <i>Commonwealth of Bees</i>, published -in 1655, contains the first account, I have seen, -of bee-boxes being employed in this country. He -speaks of “an experiment of glassen hives invented -by Mr. <span class="smcap">W. Mew</span>, Minister of Easlington -in Gloucestershire: his boxes were of an octagon -shape, and had a glass window in the back.” Soon -after, in the year 1675, <span class="smcap">Jno. Gedde</span>, Esq. published, -“<i>A new discovery of an excellent method -of Bee-houses and Colonies</i>,” which was intended to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">- 111 -</a></span> -preserve the lives of the bees: he obtained a -patent for his boxes from King Charles.</p> - -<p>Gedde’s boxes were considerably improved by -<span class="smcap">Joseph Warder</span>, a physician at Croydon, who -published an account of them in his work entitled -“<i>The true Amazons, or the Monarchy of Bees</i>.” Dr. -Warder enriched his account with several curious -circumstances respecting bees; some of which -will be detailed in a future chapter. The method of -these gentlemen seems not to have been generally -known; for even Swammerdam, who published -in 1680, makes no mention of it. Had Swammerdam -known it, he would have been informed -of many circumstances, respecting which he was -evidently ignorant. This want of Dr. Warder’s -information is to be lamented, for Swammerdam -was an accurate observer, and a faithful reporter -of what he did observe.</p> - -<p>Gedde and Warder were succeeded by the Rev. -<span class="smcap">John Thorley</span> of Oxford, who published “<i>An -Enquiry into the Nature, Order, and Government -of Bees</i>;” and by the Rev. <span class="smcap">Stephen White</span> of -Halton in Suffolk, who wrote on “<i>Collateral -Bee-boxes, or an easy and advantageous method of -managing Bees</i>.” Collateral boxes have been -objected to, because bees, when the boxes are -on a level, have laid their eggs promiscuously in -both; moreover side boxes occupy a great deal -more room than storifying boxes.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">- 112 -</a></span></p> - -<p>Mr. <span class="smcap">Thorley’s son</span> improved the method of -his father. The indefatigable Mr. <span class="smcap">Wildman</span> devoted -much of his time to the same subject: to -him we are principally indebted for the present -perfection of bee-boxes, and particularly for obtaining -fresh honey throughout the season, by -means of small glasses ranged upon a flat-topped -hive. <i>Vide</i> pages <a href="#Page_93">93</a> and <a href="#Page_99">99</a>.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“But faintly, Rome, thy waxen cities shone<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Through the dim lantern or refractive stone,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And faintly Albion saw her film-wing’d train<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Glance evanescent through the latticed pane.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Ere Wildman’s art unveil’d the straw girt round,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Its broad expanse with crystal vases crown’d,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And each full vase, like Amalthæa’s horn,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">For Man successive graced the festal morn.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Madame Vicat</span>, a very ingenious lady in Switzerland, -published, in the Memoirs of the Berne -Society, some very judicious <i>Observations on bees -and hives</i>. She was the first who hinted, that -upon the storifying plan, the duplets and triplets -should always be placed under the full hives; as -the bees, in constructing fresh works, evidently -prefer descending to ascending.</p> - -<p>Lastly, we have Mr. <span class="smcap">Keys’s</span> very useful book, -"<i>The ancient Bee-master’s Farewell</i>," which has -long been a standard work to the practical apiarian.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">- 113 -</a></span></p> - -<p>Keys states, that upon the storifying plan, three -pecks of bees will collect more honey in a season, -than four pecks divided into two families, upon -the common plan, and that the proportion of pure -honey and pure wax will likewise be greater. He -observes, that a good storified colony has, under -favourable circumstances, received an accession of -thirty pounds of honey in seven days; whereas if -a swarm had been sent off, the increase, in the -same period, would not, probably, have been more -than five pounds.</p> - -<p>This difference of increase is owing, I conceive, -to the divided family occupying a larger proportion -of its workers as nurses, than the storified family -employs, there being in the former the brood of -two queens, in the latter the brood of only one, to -be attended to. The one establishment is in fact -divided, so as to form two establishments, and -there must be of course, an observance of the -accustomed peculiarities of dignity and office, in -each of the two, as there was in the one; consequently, -fewer collecting bees can be spared from -the divided family, than would have been at liberty -in their undivided state; and this reasoning will -apply with increasing force as the number of -duplets and triplets is increased.</p> - -<p>In single-hiving, if rainy weather occur at the -time the bees are prepared to throw off a swarm, -and the hive be filled with comb to its utmost -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">- 114 -</a></span> -limit, all the bees must remain idle till the return -of fine weather; whereas if more room be given, -as upon the storifying plan, they will, by embracing -every opportunity for collecting, and by constructing -fresh combs by means of the stores already -collected, be enabled to diminish that check -to their activity, which wet weather always occasions. -Though rainy weather has this effect upon -the bees, yet are they much less susceptible to -moisture than to cold: they may frequently be -seen in full activity upon a warm showery day, -whereas on a cold dry one, they cluster closely -together within the hives. The colder the weather -the more closely they cluster. “When the lime-tree -and black grain blossom,” says Huber, “they -brave the rain, they depart before sun-rise, and -return later than ordinary.”</p> - -<p>Independently of the benefit derived from storifying, -as congregating a numerous body of bees -together, it will always be found advantageous to -have hives of whatever sort well filled, as the bees -uniformly work best when in a numerous body: -this has induced Mr. Espinasse and others strongly -to recommend the union of stocks that do not -well fill the hives.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">- 115 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">SWARMING.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">H</span>owever</span> populous a stock of bees may be in the -autumn, its numbers are greatly reduced during -winter, perhaps about six or seven eighths. This -loss is more than replaced in the spring, by the -amazing fecundity of the queen. Hence arises a disposition -to throw off swarms, which, of course, will -issue more or less frequently, more or less early, -and in greater or less force, according to the temperature -of the season, the fertility of the queen, -the populousness of the stock, and the attention -that has been paid to early feeding.</p> - -<p>It is a prevalent opinion, that a swarm consists -entirely of young bees; but this is an error: every -swarm contains a mixture of young and old; the -latter are distinguishable by being of a redder -hue, and having ragged wings.</p> - -<p><i>In favourable seasons, a good stock will throw -off three swarms, even a swarm of the current year -will sometimes throw off another swarm</i>; in this -latter case, there is but a small collection of honey, -compared with the great number of bees which -have been called into existence. I have endeavoured -to account for this in <a href="#Page_113">page 113</a>. In the -Monthly Magazine, for Sept. 1825, an instance is -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">- 116 -</a></span> -recorded of five swarms being thrown off and -hived before the end of July from planting one -single stock; the season was favourable, and the -situation, (High Armaside in Lorton), particularly -so. They were not all thrown off from the first -or parent stock, but from that and the earliest -swarm. Bosc, the French consul in Carolina, has -stated that he had eleven swarms in one season -from a single stock; and that each of those swarms, -during the same season, threw off the same number -of secondary ones!!!! The space which usually -intervenes between the first and second swarm is -from seven to nine days; between the second and -third, the period is shorter; and if there should be -a fourth, it may depart the day after that which -precedes it.</p> - -<p>This succession of swarms must be owing to -the great number of young queens that obtain -their liberty. As they greatly weaken the parent -stock, and are naturally weak themselves, the -only resource under such circumstances is the -union of two or more of the swarms into one -family.</p> - -<p><i>March is the month in which the grand laying of -the queen usually commences</i>; yet when January -proves mild, the breeding will sometimes begin -at the latter end of <i>that</i> month, and it is by no -means an uncommon thing for the commencement -to happen in February. The queen-bee may -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">- 117 -</a></span> -naturally be expected to breed earlier in the season -than insects in general, from the circumstance -of the working-bees storing up food for the young, -which other insects, that breed later, do not; as -also from her living in the midst of a society which -preserves a summer heat during the coldest -months of winter. A thermometer in a bee-hive -has ranged as high as 74° Fahrenheit at Christmas; -and Bonner says that he has often seen his hives -with young brood in them in the midst of a severe -frost. In the Transactions of the Society for the -Encouragement of Arts, &c. <span class="smcap">Mr. Hubbard</span> has -stated that vigorous well-stored hives breed even -in the depth of winter. In this perhaps he was -mistaken; the finding of eggs and maggots in the -cells does not satisfy my mind, as they might have -been laid late in the autumn, and have remained -stationary till spring. Riem states, that in a bad -season the eggs will remain in the cells many -months without hatching. Mr. Hubbard was led -to make the experiment of suffocating a strong -stock in February, to ascertain the state of the -brood-combs; in which he says that he found an -abundance of brood, in every state, from that of -egg to the almost perfect fly; although the preceding -January had been very cold, accompanied -by frost and snow,—a circumstance which in some -measure confirms my supposition, as to the suspended -development of the brood. Mr. Hubbard -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">- 118 -</a></span> -further adds, that on examining two weak hives, -in March and April, he found not a single egg. -From these very opposite states <span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span> infers -the great importance of leaving stocks strong in -October, and feeding them in an ungenial autumn, -conceiving that the bees apportion the numbers of -their young to the means they possess of supporting -them. That</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“The prescient Female rears her tender brood<br /></span> -<span class="i1">In strict proportion to the hoarded food.”<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>This, however, does not correspond with what will -be stated below; from which it will appear, that -the queen sometimes lays eggs, in reliance upon -an approaching season, and does not let the number -altogether depend upon the stock of provision -in the hive. The commencement of the queen’s -breeding may generally be known, by the bees carrying -in pellets of farina on their thighs. For want -of a sufficient supply of this, as must happen in -cold unkindly seasons, many of the nymphs are -cast out, having died probably from actual starvation. -Hence the necessity, as before stated, of -having in the immediate neighbourhood of the -hives such early blossoming trees and flowers as -afford plenty of farina; and also late blossoming -ones, that the bees may be enabled to lay in a store -of it, ready for spring.</p> - -<p>Swarming may take place at any time between -the beginning of April and the latter end of August. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">- 119 -</a></span> -It seldom happens before ten in the morning, -nor later than three in the afternoon, and -never but in fine weather. If it be sultry, bees -are apt to rise after a storm, being anxious to -escape from the heat of the hive, rendered more -intolerable by the confinement which the storm -has occasioned. In the sixth volume of the Philosophical -Transactions, an instance is recorded by -<span class="smcap">Richard Reed</span>, Esq. of Lugwardine, of a swarm -issuing on the 9th of March; as he supposed, in -consequence of there being an insufficient supply -of food for the whole family, a part were sent forth -to seek their fortunes, lest the whole should perish. -The day, he says, was fine, but does not mention -the temperature. Probably this was a stock which -had bred in the month of February, the swarm -issuing from the usual cause, a disproportion -between the size of the family and the size of the -habitation.</p> - -<p>If early swarming be desired, early breeding -must be promoted, by feeding with sugared or -honeyed ale in February and March, and by keeping -the stock warm. And if the apiarian at any time -wish to obtain a swarm, he has only to withhold -from his bees that accommodation which storifying -affords them.</p> - -<p>The most advantageous time for a swarm to be -thrown off is from the middle of May to the middle -of June. This period comprehends the grand -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">- 120 -</a></span> -harvest season of the honeyed race. After the -scythe has cut down the flowers which adorn our -meadows and yield the bees such a plentiful supply -of honey and farina, there is a very manifest -relaxation in their activity; their excursions are -not only much less extensive, but less frequent, -although the weather be in all respects propitious. -Swarms that issue much earlier than the time I -have specified, are apt to be small; and should -bad weather succeed, feeding will be necessary, to -prevent famine. Those that issue later, afford no -better promise, either to themselves or to the -parent hives; for though late swarms are usually -large ones, they will scarcely have time to rear -their brood, and to lay in a store of honey, &c. -adequate to the support of the family during the -ensuing winter and spring. Late swarming is not -only hazardous to the bees thrown off, but is injurious -to the parent stock, which suffers in proportion -to the loss of labourers, that should contribute -to the general store of food, and assist in -rearing the brood, which is generally abundant, -though the season be far advanced.</p> - -<p>Hence it is the usual practice, early in the autumn, -to suffocate both the swarm and the stock, -in order to secure whatever wax and honey may -have been collected up to that time. There is -however another alternative, as will be seen under -the head of <i>Uniting Swarms or Stocks</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">- 121 -</a></span></p> - -<p>If several days of rainy weather should succeed -a swarm’s going off, the stores they carry with -them from the parent hive may be exhausted and -endanger a famine; in such a case recourse must -be had to feeding.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">- 122 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES OF STORIFYING AND SINGLE-HIVING.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">F</span>rom</span> what has been said in the two last chapters, -a comparative estimate may be made of the advantages -which storifying possesses over single-hiving; -and they appear to be the following.</p> - -<p>First, an œconomical division of labour, an advantage -common to all bodies of artificers, whose -works are conducted upon a large scale, and -which causes a larger quantity of wax and honey -to be collected in the season, than if the bees -were to swarm, and to carry on their operations -in separate families.</p> - -<p>Secondly, the facility with which the bees may -be deprived of a considerable portion of their -honey, without destroying their lives, or communicating -to the honey any unpleasant flavour, -from the sulphurous gas.</p> - -<p>Thirdly, the power which is afforded to the -bees, of employing themselves usefully during -wet weather, in the manner before stated.</p> - -<p>Fourthly, the saving of that time which is unnecessarily -spent in the construction of fresh -combs, in the new habitation.</p> - -<p>Fifthly, the saving of room; for as every family -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">- 123 -</a></span> -has more warehouse-room than its respective necessities -require, the division into small families -must multiply the proportion of this superfluous -room.</p> - -<p>Sixthly, the saving of the time usually lost in -preparation for swarming, when the bees hang -inactively in clusters, on the outsides of the hives, -for many days, sometimes for weeks, particularly -if the weather be unfavourable.</p> - -<p>It seems right to remark in this place, that -though this <i>clustering</i> or <i>hanging out</i> of the bees -is generally regarded as one of the strongest -symptoms of an approaching swarm, it is nevertheless -a deceptive one. It does certainly indicate -that there are bees sufficient to throw off a -swarm, and is sometimes evidence of an anxiety -to do so; but unless there be a queen ready to go -off with them, however distrest for room, the -clustering will sometimes continue for a considerable -time; in hot dry seasons it may last till the -middle of August. This clustering, as before observed, -is very prejudicial, as it causes the bees -to be inactive in their principal harvest season, -when every bee ought to be fully employed, and -may induce a habit of inactivity for the future. -Clustering likewise obstructs the operations of the -bees that are active, by interrupting the thoroughfare -to the hive. These disadvantages are admirably -remedied by storifying, without which, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">- 124 -</a></span> -independently of the loss of time to the bees, a -constant system of watchfulness must be kept up -by the proprietor, during the whole period of the -bees clustering out, otherwise a swarm may be -lost.</p> - -<p>Storifying, though generally, is not invariably -successful in causing the clustered bees to reenter -the boxes: where it fails to do so, if a -young queen were ready to assume the sovereignty -of the colony, the clustered bees would -swarm and seek a new habitation with the old -one. M. Reaumur drowned several hives thus -circumstanced, and examined all their inmates -most minutely, but could never find more than a -single queen, and this the old one; in none of -these hives did he find royal larvæ.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Keys</span> says that he has <i>failed to make the -clustered bees rejoin the family, if he has put the -empty him or box over the colony;</i> but that by -<i>placing the box under it, the bees soon re-entered -and worked vigorously</i>. I have myself, in several -instances, noticed the reluctance of bees to ascend; -this reluctance will however generally give way -in a day or two, if no room be allowed them in -any other direction. This is proved by the successful -use of small glasses upon flat-topped hives -or boxes, for obtaining fresh honey occasionally. -<span class="smcap">Thorley</span> <i>constantly practised super-hiving</i>, and -was very successful with it. So likewise is my -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">- 125 -</a></span> -friend <span class="smcap">Mr. Walond</span>, who finds it afford him a -supply of purer honey than nadir-hiving; for as -the queen is generally found more disposed to -descend than to ascend, by placing the box over -the stock it will seldom be stored with any other -combs than those which contain honey. <span class="smcap">Mr. -George Hubbard</span>, however, of Bury St. Edmunds, -in a paper contained in the Transactions -of the Society of Arts, vol. ix. (for which they -awarded him ten guineas), says that he has -known instances in which the <i>bees have swarmed -rather than submit to super-hiving</i>.</p> - -<p><i>Bees have been known to construct combs under -the floors of the hives, when restricted for room -within.</i> Here their natural activity surmounted -the impediments thrown in their way, by the -want of inclosed space. The storifying or colonizing -plan has been much applauded for its -saving the lives of the bees: though this preservation -be well worthy of attention, yet it is an -advantage very inferior to that which is derived -from the œconomical division of labour, the consequent -increase of wax and honey, and the facility -afforded for extracting them. I trust that -this remark will not expose me to the imputation -of inhumanity, for I am fully sensible of the value -of life to all creatures that exist, and have often -felt strongly the force of Thomson’s pathetic description -of the sulphurous death of bees.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">- 126 -</a></span></p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Ah! see where robb’d and murder’d in that pit<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Lies the still heaving hive! at evening snatch’d.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Beneath the cloud of guilt-concealing night,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And fix’d o’er sulphur...<br /></span> -<span class="i0">“Sudden the dark oppressive steam ascends.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And, us’d to milder scents, the tender race<br /></span> -<span class="i1">By thousands tumble from their honey’d dome,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Convuls’d and agonizing in the dust.”<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>The bee is generally allowed to be a short-lived -insect. (<i>Vide</i> <a href="#Longevity">Longevity of Bees</a>.) Whatever advantage -can be derived however, from preserving -the lives of the bees, at the period of taking their -honey, those, who keep them upon the storifying -plan, will have the full benefit of it, and be spared -that torture of feeling, which the sensitive always -experience, when destroying life in any way.</p> - -<p>“True benevolence extends itself through the -whole compass of existence, and sympathizes with -the distress of every creature capable of sensation. -Little minds may be apt to consider a compassion -of this inferior kind, as an instance of weakness, -but I consider it as affording undoubted evidence -of a noble nature.”—<i>Melmoth.</i></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">- 127 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">SYMPTOMS WHICH PRECEDE SWARMING.</p> - - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“See where with hurry’d step, th’ impassion’d throng<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Pace o’er the hive, and seem with plaintive song<br /></span> -<span class="i1">T’ invite their loitering queen; now range the floor,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And hang in cluster’d columns from the door;<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Or now in restless rings around they fly,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Nor spoil they sip, nor load the hollow’d thigh:<br /></span> -<span class="i1">E’en the dull drone his wonted ease gives o’er.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Flaps the unwieldy wing, and longs to soar.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">N</span>otwithstanding</span> what I have said in the last -chapter on the subject of clustering, it is too -important a circumstance to be omitted in the -following enumeration of the signs of swarming.</p> - -<p>1. Clustering or hanging out, if taken singly, -may be regarded as a fallacious symptom, but -when conjoined with other indications, it may be -considered as a sign of swarming, particularly if -accompanied by the signs enumerated at the -commencement of my motto.</p> - -<p>2. The drones being visible in greater numbers -than usual, and in great commotion, especially in -the afternoon.</p> - -<p>3. The inactivity of the working bees, who -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">- 128 -</a></span> -neither gather honey nor farina, though the -morning be sunny and the weather altogether -inviting. Reaumur regarded this as the most -indubitable sign of preparation for swarming.</p> - -<p>4. A singular humming noise, for two or three -nights previous, which has been variously described -and accounted for. It cannot always be -distinguished, unless the ear be placed near the -mouth of the hive; the sounds, which are sharp -and clear, seem to proceed from a single bee. -Some suppose the noise to be made by the young -queen, and to resemble <i>chip chip peep peep</i> or -the <i>toot toot</i> of a child’s penny trumpet, but not -so loud; Mr. Hunter compares it to the lower a -in the treble of the piano-forte. It is readily -distinguishable by those who have been accustomed -to hear it. <span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span> inquires, is it the -sound emitted by perfect queens, on emerging -from their cells, as described by M. Huber? -The noise is sometimes in a shrill, at other times -in a deeper key; this difference in the intensity -of the tones may arise from the distance whence -the sound proceeds, or may be intended to -intimate to the bees the respective ripeness of -their queens. <span class="smcap">Butler</span> and <span class="smcap">Woolridge</span> ascribe -it to a parley between the old and young queens, -the latter at the bottom of the hive requesting -leave to emigrate, and the former answering in -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">- 129 -</a></span> -her bass note from the top. <span class="smcap">Wildman</span> supposes -it to arise from a contest betwixt the queens, -about sallying forth; and endeavours to account -for its less frequency before first swarms, from -the young chiefs being then in their embryo -state. This however is mere hypothesis, and -not at all consonant with later discoveries, particularly -those of Huber and Dunbar. <i>Vide</i> -pages <a href="#Page_18">18</a> and <a href="#Page_22">22</a>.</p> - -<p>5. Unusual silence in the hive, during which -the separatists are supposed to be taking in a -cargo of honey before their flight, as a provision -against bad weather. Mr. Hunter opened the -crops of some bees that remained in the parent -hive and the crops of some emigrating bees, -when he found the latter quite full, whilst the -former contained but a small quantity.</p> - -<p><i>The above symptoms oftener precede second or -third than first swarms, which latter sometimes -issue forth without any previous notice.</i> <span class="smcap">Keys</span> -speaks so emphatically upon this subject that I -shall quote his words. “Although there are no -signs that precede first swarms, those, before-mentioned, -convey to the apiator one certain -meaning, and when heard he may be assured -that the first or prime swarm has escaped, if -that will comfort him.”</p> - -<p>The moment before their departure exhibits a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">- 130 -</a></span> -very lively agitation, which first affects the queen, -and is then communicated to the workers, exciting -such a tumult among them, that they -abandon their labours, and rush in disorder to -the outlets.</p> - -<p>If a swarm quit the first place on which it -clusters, it hovers in the air for some time, as if -undetermined, and then flies off with great velocity.</p> - -<p>We hear now and then of a swarm of bees -being lost, of its having eluded the vigilance of -the proprietor; I think that its loss is generally -attributable to negligence. As a different opinion -is prevalent, I shall state a few of the facts upon -which that difference is founded.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Homer</span> and <span class="smcap">Virgil</span> speak of bees in their wild -state as fixing their habitations in the rocks and -in hollow trees.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“As from some rocky cleft the shepherd sees,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Clustering in heaps on heaps, the driving bees.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Pope’s Homer.</span></p></div> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“And oft, (’tis said,) they delve beneath the earth,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And nurse in gloomy caves their hidden birth,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Amid the crumbling stone’s dark concave dwell,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Or hang in hollow trees their airy cell.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Sotheby’s Georgics.</span></p></div> - -<p>Many instances are also recorded of domesticated -bees seeking an asylum in some hollow part -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">- 131 -</a></span> -of an old building or tree. <span class="smcap">Dr. Warder</span>, <span class="smcap">Mr. -Butler</span>, <span class="smcap">Mr. Knight</span>, <span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span>, <span class="smcap">M. Duchet</span>, -and other writers think that the bees about to -swarm regularly send out scouts, to explore an -eligible situation for their future residence; -though Dr. Evans admits that this disposition to -resume wild habits, like many of the instinctive -faculties of the animal creation, has its intensity -weakened by domestication. Dr. Warder asserts -that the bees always send out providers, to select -a suitable residence for them, several days before -swarming, and considers that their clustering -upon a bough, &c. soon after they issue forth, -proceeds from their desire to be all congregated -together prior to the last flight: this is likewise -the opinion of Mr. Knight. If the place selected -be a deserted hive, it is first cleared by the bees -of all heterogeneous matters, the old combs alone -being allowed to remain. An observance of this -conduct probably led <span class="smcap">Columella</span> to recommend -the placing of empty hives, during the swarming -season, in appropriate situations near an apiary. -<span class="smcap">Keys</span> gives a similar recommendation. <span class="smcap">Reaumur</span> -on the other hand ridicules the idea of “spies -and quartermasters,” as ingenious fable. What -I have stated in Chapter <span class="smcap">XVII</span>. <a href="#Page_148">p. 148</a>. confirms -Reaumur’s opinion: he is also supported in it by -<span class="smcap">Buffon</span>, <span class="smcap">Bonnet</span>, and <span class="smcap">Huber</span>: the former says, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">- 132 -</a></span> -that the swarming bees form a cloud round their -queen, and set off without seeming to know the -place of their destination;—“the world before -them, where to choose their place of rest.” I will -however detail a few cases that support the theory -of “spies and quartermasters.” In the Philosophical -Transactions for 1807, <span class="smcap">Mr. Knight</span>, writing to -Sir Joseph Banks, relates several instances of the -kind. On one occasion he observed from twenty -to thirty bees paying daily visits to some decayed -trees, about a mile distant from his garden; the -bees appeared to be busily employed in examining -the hollow parts, and particularly the -dead knots around them, as if apprehensive of -the knots admitting moisture. In about fourteen -days, these seeming surveyors were followed by -a large swarm from his apiary, which was -watched the whole way, till it alighted in one of -these cavities. It was observed to journey nearly -in a direct line from the apiary to the tree. On -several similar occasions the bees selected that -cavity which Mr. Knight thought best adapted -to their use. He has also noticed that, a stock -being nearly ready to swarm, one of these hollow -trees was daily occupied by a small number of -bees; but the swarm from that stock, being -lodged in another <i>hive</i>, the tree was wholly deserted. -This preference of a <i>hive</i>, when offered -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">- 133 -</a></span> -them, to a place chosen by themselves, Mr. -Knight ascribes to a habit acquired by domestication, -which generating a dependence upon man -for providing them a dwelling, descends hereditarily -from the parents to their offspring. -Another instance is related by <span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span>: he -suffered a hive, whose tenants had died in the -winter, to remain upon the stand till spring: he -then observed several bees paying it daily visits, -and busily employed within, but leaving it at the -close of evening. These soon appeared, like -Dr. Warder’s providers, to be the harbingers of -a swarm; for, early in June, an immense body -of these insects were seen rapidly approaching, -and then surrounding the hive: they took possession -as quickly as its narrow entrance and -crowded combs would permit. The same result -was noticed after the mild winter of 1806-7, -which untenanted one of his hives by famine: -he was present when the swarm issued (from -another hive in his garden) to take possession of -the empty one, which, on his endeavouring to -raise it, to give facility to their entrance, he -found already cemented to the floor. The Doctor -also relates a case in which a swarm of bees -"made its way either over the tops of some very -high houses, or through several winding streets, -to an old house in the centre of Shrewsbury, and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">- 134 -</a></span> -passing through an aperture in the wood-work to -a room on the first floor, were there hived by the -family." <span class="smcap">Mr. Butler</span> in his <i>Feminine Monarchie</i> -mentions the case of a poor woman whose hive -being depopulated by famine was allowed to -remain out of doors till the ensuing summer, -when a swarm took possession of it, from which -she afterwards stored her garden. Other instances -of a similar kind have been related; but -in most of them it is not easy to ascertain how -far the proprietors of the hives, from which the -swarms went forth, had been improvident. The -cases related by Mr. Knight are the most remarkable; -but with respect to these, further information -would be desirable. Was there any -inducement beyond a snug housing in the cavities -of the trees, to tempt the bees to wander so far -from their native spot? such as favourite pasturage, -or neighbouring trees that were wont to -supply honey-dew? or were there in either of -the hollow trees, thus occupied, any old combs -which had been left there by another family? -Lastly, were the emigrating bees exposed to any -annoyance in their old habitation, either from -neighbours of their own species or the attacks -of other animals? or were they deprived of any -sheltering protection to which they had been -accustomed, by the removal of buildings, the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">- 135 -</a></span> -cutting down of trees or otherwise? <span class="smcap">Bonner</span>, -who agrees in opinion with Mr. Knight, that -bees often go in quest of a suitable habitation, -before they swarm, has observed that he knew -for certain that a swarm would not fly a mile to -an empty hive, “whereas they will fly,” says he, -“four miles to take possession of an old one with -combs in it.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">- 136 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">HIVING OF SWARMS.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">T</span>he</span> hiving of bees is a proceeding so well known -that it seems unnecessary to offer any observations -on the particular method of effecting it.</p> - -<p>In every apiary there should be a stock of hives, -boxes, &c. always ready before-hand, either for -storifying or for single-hiving; a neglect of this -precaution will often be productive of great inconvenience -and confusion.</p> - -<p>It is always desirable to <i>have swarms put into -new hives</i>, as old ones often contain the larvæ of -moths and other embryo insects, which may prove -injurious to the bees. If straw be the material -with which they are made, every rough straw -should be removed from the interior, otherwise -the bees will lose that time in rendering it smooth, -which they could employ to greater advantage in -gathering honey and constructing combs. For a -similar reason, if boxes be preferred, these should -be made air-tight with putty or other cement, that -the bees may not consume their time in filling the -crevices with propolis. If on any occasion the -apiarian be induced to have recourse to <i>an old -hive</i>, for receiving a swarm, it <i>should, before being -used, be dipped into boiling water</i>, to destroy the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">- 137 -</a></span> -eggs of moths and other insects, after which it -should be made perfectly dry.</p> - -<p>In the common straw-hive, two new sticks -placed across each other, at the second round of -straw from the bottom, will be useful to support -the weight of combs: the bees require no aid at -the top, to which they will themselves securely -attach the combs, as may be seen in hollow trees -where bees have taken up their abode.</p> - -<p><i>Dressing the insides of the hives</i> is of doubtful -advantage. Some people rub the interior of the -hive with balm, bean-tops, fennel, &c. or smear -it over with cream and honey. Wildman strongly -reprobates this practice, as it gives the bees the -trouble of making the hive clean again. If any -thing be used, in compliance with custom, sugared -or honeyed ale is the most alluring. <span class="smcap">Keys</span> says -that a hive, containing old combs and dressed -with sugared ale, will often decoy a swarm to -settle in it. <span class="smcap">Huish</span> recommends sprinkling the -interior of the hives with human urine; which he -regards as a specific, on account of “its <i>abounding</i> -with <i>sugar</i> and <i>salt</i>, two substances of which -bees are particularly fond:” if such were the fact, -it would I think, be more cleanly, and therefore -a preferable plan, to mingle those favourite articles -with a little ale or water for this purpose. Huish -himself recommends smearing the interior of the -hive with honey, when a swarm of bees settle in -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">- 138 -</a></span> -a situation, from which it cannot be dislodged and -made to enter the hive, by shaking or other forcible -means. If urine be attractive to bees, its -attraction must proceed from other qualities than -those which he has mentioned; it does certainly -contain a <i>very small portion</i> of <i>salt</i>, but I know of -no analysis of healthy human urine, which admits -sugar to be a constituent part of it.</p> - -<p>A tinkling noise is generally, though I believe -erroneously, considered to be useful in inducing -bees to settle. <span class="smcap">Keys</span> recommends the use of a -watchman’s rattle, but not till the queen has come -forth, for fear of alarming her too soon, nor after -the bees have begun to cluster.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Keys</span> advises also the throwing of sand or water -among the bees, to make them cluster; likewise -the making of some <i>very</i> great noise, such as firing -a gun; some have supposed the bees to mistake -a loud noise, for thunder foreboding a storm; but -this, instead of causing them to settle, would rather -cause their return to the parent stock. <span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span> -suggests the probability of noises being first used, -as signals to the neighbours that a swarm was up, -and being afterwards continued by habit only. -The throwing up of handfuls of dust or sand, is -said to make bees descend, when they soar very -high; these missiles being mistaken for rain.</p> - -<p><i>Bees, when swarming, are generally peaceable</i>, -and if treated gently, may be hived without -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">- 139 -</a></span> -danger or difficulty. <i>A remarkable instance of -their inoffensiveness at this time</i> is related by <span class="smcap">Mr. -Thorley</span>. Wanting to dislodge a swarm from -the branches of a codlin-tree, he placed the hive -in the hands of his maid-servant, who being a -novice, covered her head and shoulders with a -cloth, to guard her face; on shaking the tree, -most of the bees alighted upon the cloth, and -quickly crept under it, covering the girl’s breast -and neck up to her very chin. Mr. T. impressed -her with the importance of neither flinching from -nor buffeting the bees, and began immediately to -search for the queen; which on finding, he gently -seized and removed, but without effecting a dislodgement -of the swarm: thus disappointed, he -suspected that there was a second queen; which -actually proved to be the case: on securing, and -placing her also in the hive, with a portion of the -bees, the rest followed in multitudes, till in two -or three minutes not one bee remained upon the -girl, who was thus released from her state of apprehension -and alarm, without feeling the point -of a single sting. All persons similarly situated -may not be so fortunate, as, notwithstanding the -greatest precaution, bees may be provoked to -draw their swords. <span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span> relates a case of -this kind; a swarm having settled on the branch -of a larch-tree, and its long tufts of narrow leaves -flapping the bees as the bough was shaken, the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">- 140 -</a></span> -woman who hived them, received above thirty -stings. If the weather be windy, at the time of -swarming, they are often irritable, and apt to -sting; though clustered, they will frequently return -home: this last occurrence is generally -caused by the absence of a queen; but it may -also be produced by a sudden shower, or by the -transit of a dark cloud.</p> - -<p>A queen has sometimes a defect in her wings, -or is disabled by some accident; either of these -misfortunes may cause the return of a swarm, or -produce symptoms of discontent after hiving.</p> - -<p>As many persons doubt <i>the queen’s importance</i> -to the harmonious union of a swarm, I shall give -an instance or two, to show how essentially necessary -her presence is to produce this effect. <span class="smcap">Dr. -Warder</span> being desirous of ascertaining the extent -of the bees’ “loyalty to their sovereign, ran the -hazard of destroying a swarm, for this purpose.” -Having shaken on the grass, all the bees from a -hive which they had only tenanted the day before, -he searched for the queen, by stirring amongst -them with a stick. Having found and placed her, -with a few attendants, in a box, she was taken -into his parlour; where the box being opened, she -and her attendants immediately flew to the window, -when he clipped off one of her wings, returned -her to the box, and confined her there for above -an hour. In less than a quarter of an hour, the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">- 141 -</a></span> -swarm ascertained the loss of their queen, and -instead of clustering together in one social mass, -they diffused themselves over a space of several -feet, were much agitated, and uttered a piteous -sound. An hour afterwards they all took flight, -and settled upon the hedge where they had first -alighted, after leaving the parent stock; but instead -of hanging together, like a bunch of grapes, -as when the queen was with them, and as swarms -usually hang, they extended themselves thirty -feet along the hedge, in small bunches, of forty, -fifty, or more. The queen was now presented to -them, when they all quickly gathered round her, -with a joyful hum, and formed one harmonious -cluster. At night the Doctor hived them again, -and on the following morning repeated his experiment, -to see whether the bees would rise; the -queen being in a mutilated state, and unable to -accompany them, they surrounded her for several -hours, apparently willing to die with her rather -than desert her in distress. The queen was a -second time removed, when they spread themselves -out again, as though starching for her: her -repeated restoration to them, at different parts of -their circle, produced one uniform result, “and -these poor loyal and loving creatures, always -marched and counter-marched every way as the -queen was laid.” The Doctor persevered in these -experiments, till after five days and nights of fasting, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">- 142 -</a></span> -they all died of famine, except the queen, -who lived a few hours longer and then died. <i>The -attachment of the queen to the working bees</i>, appeared -to be equally as strong as their attachment -to her; though offered honey on several occasions, -during the periods of her separation from -them, she constantly refused it, “disdaining a -life that was no life to her, without the company -of those which she could not have.”</p> - -<p>My next instance is contained in the <i>Transactions -of the Society of Arts, &c.</i> for 1790, in a -paper written by <span class="smcap">Mr. Simon Manley</span>, of Topsham -in Devonshire, for which the Society awarded him -five guineas. “I have before now,” says he, -“taken the queen-bee, while in the act of swarming, -put her into a clean bottle, and kept her from -the swarm a full hour. I have then shown her to -several gentlemen, the swarm continuing to hover, -without settling, the whole time. I brought her -home, and laid her on the floor of a kitchen -window. Being moist with her own breath in the -bottle, when I took her out she licked herself -clean, and being quite recovered, was carried out -and placed upon the hive she swarmed from. -About a handful of her subjects soon found her -out, and seemed much rejoiced at finding her. -From thence she rose up, and pitched upon a -currant bush, and the remainder of the swarm -came to her, and settled at once.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">- 143 -</a></span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Swammerdam</span> tried the experiment of fastening -the queen by one of her legs to the end of a -pole, by which he induced the bees to follow him -wherever he chose. Reaumur relates a somewhat -similar instance of a bee-man mentioned by -<span class="smcap">Father Labbat</span> in his Travels, who had the address -to conceal the source of his dexterity. <span class="smcap">Wildman’s</span> -expertness in this way was celebrated far -and near. <i>Vide</i> chapter on <a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">Uniting Swarms</a>.</p> - -<p>In confirmation of the evidence I have already -given, of the queen’s importance to the well-being -of the community, I will advert to some experiments -of <span class="smcap">Huber</span>. He removed a queen from one -of his hives; the bees were not immediately -aware of it, but continued their labours, watched -over the young, and performed the whole of their -ordinary occupations. In a few hours afterwards, -agitation commenced, and all appeared to be a -scene of tumult; a singular humming noise was -heard, the bees deserted their young and rushed -over the surface of the combs, with delirious impetuosity. -On replacing the queen, tranquillity -was instantly restored; and from what will be said -presently, it appeared that they knew her individual -person. Huber varied this experiment -with other hives, in different ways; instead of -restoring their own queen, he tried to substitute -<i>a stranger queen</i>; the manner of her reception -depended upon the period at which she was introduced. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">- 144 -</a></span> -If twenty-four hours had elapsed after -the removal of the queen, the stranger was well -received, and at once admitted to the sovereignty -of the hive. If not more than eighteen hours had -elapsed, she was at first treated as a prisoner, but -after a time permitted to reign. If the stranger -was introduced within twelve hours, she was immediately -surrounded by an impenetrable cluster -of bees, and commonly died either from hunger -or privation of air. It appeared therefore, in the -course of these experiments, that from twenty-four -to thirty hours were required, for a colony -to forget its sovereign, and that if, before the -lapse of that period, no substitute was presented, -they set about constructing royal cells, as stated -in <a href="#Page_22">page 22</a>; and moreover, that if, during the -time they were so occupied, a princess was -brought to them, the fabrication of royal cells -was instantly abandoned, and the larvæ selected -to occupy them were destroyed. On the admission -of a welcome stranger queen, more regard is -perhaps shown to her at first, than to a restored -natural queen,—at least there are more conspicuous -demonstrations of it: the nearest workers touch -her with their antennæ, and, passing their proboscis -over every part of her body, give her -honey. In the cases above related, the bees all -vibrated their wings at once, as if experiencing -some agreeable sensations, and ranged themselves -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">- 145 -</a></span> -in a circle round her. Others, in succession, -broke through this circle, and having repeated -the same process, of touching her with their antennæ, -giving her honey, &c. formed themselves -in a circle behind the others, vibrating their wings -and keeping up a pleasurable hum. These demonstrations -were continued for a quarter of an -hour, when the queen beginning to move towards -one part of the circle, an opening was made -through which she passed, followed and surrounded -by her customary guard. Such is the -substance of Huber’s account: it does not entirely -correspond with what has been stated by -Dunbar. <i>Vide</i> chapter on <a href="#CHAPTER_VII">Bee-boxes</a>.</p> - -<p>The loyal <i>attachment of bees to their queen</i> extends -even beyond this: <span class="smcap">Huber</span> states that he -has seen the workers, “after her death, treat her -body as they treated herself when alive, and long -prefer this inanimate body to the most fertile -queens he had offered them.” And <span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span> -relates a case, in which a queen was observed to -lie on some honey-comb in a thinly peopled hive, -apparently dying, and surrounded by six bees, -with their faces turned towards her, quivering -their wings, and most of them with their stings -pointed, as if to keep off any assailant. On presenting -them honey, though it was eagerly devoured -by the other bees, the guards were so -completely absorbed in the care of their queen, as -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">- 146 -</a></span> -entirely to disregard it. The following day, -though dead, she was still guarded; and though -the bees were still constantly supplied with honey, -their numbers were gradually diminished by -death, till, at the end of three or four days, not -a bee remained alive.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wildman</span> says that if the queen of a swarm be -lost, though it happen several weeks after leaving -the mother hive, the bees will return to it, carrying -their honey with them. This, if true, must -occur where no grub can be converted into a -queen. Both <span class="smcap">Reaumur</span> and <span class="smcap">Wildman</span> tried the -experiment of introducing a royal larva into a -queenless stock, when the bees immediately set -to work again, on the inspiration of hope alone.</p> - -<p>Should symptoms of discontent be observed -after hiving, the queen will probably be discovered -on the ground, or somewhere apart; -surrounded by a small cluster of attendants, whom -nothing but violence can separate from her. If -she be taken up either singly or with the cluster, -and placed near the entrance of the hive containing -the swarm, all will be harmony.</p> - -<p><i>Sometimes a swarm divides into two portions</i>, -which settle apart from each other and have each -a distinct leader. The conduct of the apiarian -must be governed by the size of the two divisions, -and the season at which they emerge; unless both -be large and the swarming early, they had better -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">- 147 -</a></span> -be hived in separate boxes, and joined together, -in the manner recommended in <a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">Chap. XIX</a>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Columella</span> was the first who proposed union -by killing the supernumerary queen.</p> - -<p>The branch on which the swarm settled is -sometimes rubbed with wormwood, or smoked -with disagreeable fumes, to drive away all remaining -loiterers.</p> - -<p>In every operation, it is desirable to avoid -crushing a single bee, as, in case of discovery, -the rest are excited to anger. See chapter on the -<i>Senses of Bees</i>.</p> - -<p>Immediately on the bees taking to the hive, it -should be placed upon a table, on a proper floor -board, and be covered with boughs or a cloth; -and the hive should be near the parent stock, to -catch stragglers, on their return home. At night -it should be removed to its permanent station.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">- 148 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">ON REMOVING BEES FROM COMMON -STRAW-HIVES TO STORIFYING HIVES -OR BOXES.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">M</span>any</span> plans have been suggested for transferring -bees from hives to boxes; but excepting in the -case of a recent swarm, I would not recommend -any, but an experienced apiarian, to attempt an -immediate transfer.</p> - -<p>In the case of a recent swarm, the method of -effecting the object is simple and easy; for if, when -the bees have retired for the night, the hive be -placed upon a middle board, with a divider underneath -it, and the whole be inverted upon a small -tub or a peck measure, and an empty box be -raised upon the divider, this latter being withdrawn, -and every opening besides what is necessary -for admitting air being well secured, the bees -will all probably have ascended into the box by -morning, when with the assistance of the dividers -they may be placed in the bee-house or any where -else that the proprietor chooses, just as if they had -been originally hived in the box. If the ascent -have not taken place in the morning, it may be -effected by drumming smartly with two sticks, -upon the sides of the hive: in this way, the ascent -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">- 149 -</a></span> -may be known by the loud humming noise by -which it will be accompanied.</p> - -<p>I have said that the above plan is only to be -recommended in cases of recent swarming: by this -I mean, in swarms of the day on which it is attempted, -and before any works are constructed in -the hives, to such an extent as to make the bees -tenacious of their new habitation; for wherever -they form a settlement, though even for the short -time that they occupy a bush or tree before -hiving, there are always to be seen the rudiments -of one or more combs, showing, that they always -intend, (so far as one can give bees credit for -intention,) to take up their abode, permanently, -upon the very spot on which they first cluster -round their Royal Leader.</p> - -<p>If however, from want of forethought or from -any other causes, a swarm have been allowed, for -a longer period, to occupy a hive from which it is -desirable to dislodge it, in that case I would recommend -the apiarian, towards night, to place the -hive upon a middle board with a divider underneath -it, to lute the junction with clay, so as to -prevent the bees from escaping, and to invert the -whole upon a stool that has had an opening made -in it of sufficient size to allow the hive to sink -about half-way through it. Then, if he raise a -couple of empty boxes upon the divider, in the -manner already directed for super-hiving, and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">- 150 -</a></span> -having adjusted the whole, withdraw the divider, -the bees will soon desist from carrying on their -works in the hive, and commence new ones in the -upper box; the hive at the period of deprivation -may be separated from the boxes in the usual -way.</p> - -<p>The middle board that is used on this occasion, -provided the colony be designed to stand out of -doors, must have a resting board attached to the -edge of it, for the bees to alight upon. And as it -is intended to serve as a substitute for a floor -board, it must be made to correspond with the -floor boards in its construction, so far as respects -its giving liberty for the bees to have ingress and -egress, and its affording a power to shut them in.</p> - -<p>If it should be thought more convenient, an -entrance could readily be formed, by cutting a -piece out of the lower edge of the box, in which -also a groove might be cut for a slide to run in.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">- 151 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">SUPER- AND NADIR-HIVING BY MEANS OF DIVIDERS.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">W</span>hen</span> one hive or box is to be raised upon another -in a bee-house, the operation may be performed -at any time; the best time is about ten or eleven -o’clock in the morning, when a great portion of -the bees are ranging the fields. If the bees be -kept in an out-door hive, the operation will be -best performed in an evening or early in a morning, -when, all the bees being at home, they may -be shut in and thereby prevented from annoying -the operator.</p> - -<p>If <i>super-hiving</i> be the object of the apiarian, he -must first withdraw the four screws out of the top -board of his stock-hive or box, so as to enable -him to push one of his dividers from front to back, -between that board and the box which it covers; -he may then safely take off the top, and screw it -upon an empty box. (He would of course be enabled -to accomplish the business with more -promptitude, if he have a supernumerary top -already screwed down.) Having put the fresh box -upon a middle board, the whole is to be carefully -placed upon the divider, that covers the stock: -when accurately adjusted to each other, if an -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">- 152 -</a></span> -assistant hold firmly in their places the two boxes, -or the inferior box and the middle board, the divider -may be withdrawn, and thus a communication -between the two boxes will immediately be -effected, without the escape, and perhaps without -the destruction, of a single bee.</p> - -<p>When I have had no assistant near me, upon -whose steadiness I could rely, at the time of withdrawing -the divider, I have fixed a piece of double -quarter with one of its ends against the inferior -box, and the other against the wall opposite to it, -and have thus effectually prevented the box from -moving, whilst with one hand I held firmly the -middle board, and drew out the divider with the -other. My readers are to suppose me operating -in a bee-house, for in an out-door apiary an assistant -will always be required, whenever any important -operation is to be performed.</p> - -<p><i>Nadir-hiving</i> is accomplished by introducing -both dividers between the floor board and the box -or hive which it supports, the first with its turned -edge downwards, and the other upon it with its -turned edge upwards. The box or boxes are -then to be removed on one side or upon a table, -together with the upper plate or divider, which -will form a temporary floor to the box, while the -lower plate covers the wooden floor and those few -bees that may be lodged upon it.</p> - -<p>In removing the box or boxes for nadir-hiving, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">- 153 -</a></span> -some caution is requisite, to prevent the escape -of the bees. The safest plan is gradually to draw -forward the boxes with their temporary floor, till -they hang nearly half over the wooden floor, and -then, by spreading out the fingers and applying -them under each side of the divider, the whole -may be lifted up and moved wherever it be most -convenient till raised upon the nadir. When the -box has been drawn half off, a weight should be -placed upon the covering divider, to prevent it -from tilting up.</p> - -<p>The removal being accomplished, an empty box -should be quickly placed upon the divider which -covers the floor, and upon the box a middle board; -the adjustment being complete, the dividers are -to be withdrawn separately, and with the same -precautions as in super-hiving.</p> - -<p>If the apiarian wish to practise <i>centre-hiving</i> -<i>i. e.</i> to introduce an empty box between a superior -and an inferior one, he can easily apply the preceding -directions to that particular case.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">- 154 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">UNITING SWARMS OR STOCKS.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">T</span>he</span> union of swarms with their stocks, and of -swarms or stocks with each other, in case of their -being or becoming weak, has been attempted in -various ways, and with various success, depending -perhaps, in some degree, upon the skill and -adroitness of the operator. Upon the storifying -plan this operation will rarely be necessary, excepting -in the case of weak stocks, as it is not -a very common occurrence for storified bees to -swarm, and when they do so, they generally throw -off strong swarms. Still the object may occasionally -be desirable, and it is worthy of attention, for -<i>the tenants of well filled hives are always the most -active</i>.</p> - -<p>The three usual methods by which union has -been attempted, and indeed their advocates say, -accomplished, are <i>fuming them, immersing them in -water</i>, and <i>aspersing them with sugared or honeyed -ale</i>. To these I may add a fourth, namely <i>operating -upon their fears</i>, by confining them for a -time, and then alarming them by drumming -smartly upon the outside of their domicile. It -was operating on their fears that enabled Wildman -to perform such extraordinary feats with bees. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">- 155 -</a></span> -When under a strong impression of fear, says he, -they are rendered subservient to our wills, to such -a degree as to remain long attached to any place -they afterwards settle upon, and will become so -mild and tractable, as to bear any handling which -does not hurt them, without the least show of -resentment. “Long experience has taught me, -that as soon as I turn up a hive, and give some -taps on the sides and bottom, the queen immediately -appears.” “Being accustomed to see her, -I readily perceive her at the first glance; and -long practice has enabled me to seize her instantly, -with a tenderness that does not in the least endanger -her person.” “Being possessed of her, I -can, without exciting any resentment, slip her -into my other hand, and returning the hive to its -place, hold her, till the bees missing her, are all -on the wing, and in the utmost confusion.” When -in this state, he could make them alight wherever -he pleased; for on whatever spot he placed the -queen, the moment a few of them discovered her, -the information was rapidly communicated to the -rest, who in a few minutes were all collected round -her. In this way he would sometimes cause them -to settle on his head, or to hang clustered from -his chin, in which state they somewhat resembled -a beard. Again he would transfer them to his -hand, or to any other part of his body, or if more -agreeable to the spectators before whom he exhibited, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">- 156 -</a></span> -he would cause them to settle upon a -table, window, &c. Prior to making his secret -generally known, he deceived his spectators by -using words of command; but the only magic that -he employed was the summoning into activity for -his purpose the strong attachment of the bees to -their queen.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Such was the spell, which round a Wildman’s arm<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Twin’d in dark wreaths the fascinated swarm;<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Bright o’er his breast the glittering legions led,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Or with a living garland bound his head.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">His dextrous hand, with firm yet hurtless hold.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Could seize the chief, known by her scales of gold.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Prune, ’mid the wondering train, her filmy wing.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Or, o’er her folds, the silken fetter fling.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>Cautioning his readers as to the hazard of attempting, -what he himself accomplished only by long -experience and great dexterity, Wildman concludes -his account with a parody of the reply of -C. Furius Cresinus, a liberated Roman slave, who, -being accused of witchcraft in consequence of his -raising more abundant crops than his neighbours, -and therefore cited before a Roman tribunal, produced -his strong implements of husbandry, his -well-fed oxen, and a hale young woman his daughter; -and pointing to them, said, “<i>These, Romans! -are my instruments of witchcraft; but I cannot -show you my toil, my sweats, and anxious cares.</i>” -“So,” says Wildman, “may I say, <i>These, Britons! -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">- 157 -</a></span> -are my instruments of witchcraft; but I cannot show -you my hours of attention to this subject, my anxiety -and care for these useful insects; nor can I communicate -to you my experience, acquired during a -course of years</i>.”</p> - -<p><i>The neatest and most scientific mode</i> with which -I am acquainted <i>of uniting weak families together -in harmony</i> was invented by my friend The <span class="smcap">Rev. -Richard Walond</span>, whom I had occasion to mention -in a former chapter, and whose experience -in the management of bees, for nearly half a century, -entitle his opinions concerning them to great -respect. His theory and practice upon this subject -are as follow. Bees, says he, emit a peculiar -odour, and it is by no means improbable that every -family of bees emits an odour peculiar to itself: -if so, as their vision seems to be imperfect, and -their smell acute, it may be by this distinctive -and peculiar odour that they are enabled to discriminate -betwixt the individuals of their own -family and those of a stranger hive. Upon this -supposition, if the odours of two separate stocks -or swarms can be so blended as to make them -completely merge into each other, there will then -probably be no difficulty in effecting the union of -any two families that it may be desirable to unite. -To accomplish this end therefore, Mr. Walond -had recourse to a very ingenious contrivance: he -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">- 158 -</a></span> -procured a plate of tin, the size of a divider, and -thickly perforated with holes, about the size of -those in a coarse nutmeg-grater. Having confined -in their respective hives or boxes, the two families -to be united, and placed them over each other, -with only a divider between them; he introduced -his perforated tin plate upon the divider, which -was then withdrawn. Immediately the bees began -to cluster with hostile intentions, one family clinging -to the upper, the other to the under side of the -perforated plate; when after remaining in this state -for about twenty-four hours, they had so far communicated -to each other their respective effluvia, -and so completely commixed were the odours in -both hives, that on withdrawing the perforated -plate, the bees mingled together as one family, no -disturbance being excited, but such as arose from -the presence of two queens, the custom being -always, in such case, to dethrone one of them. -According to Huber this is effected by single combat -between the queens: which subject will be -adverted to in a future chapter. <span class="smcap">Keys</span> has observed -that <i>these incorporations seldom turn to account -unless they be effected in summer</i>; and when -it is considered that the principal gathering months -are May and June, (excepting in those neighbourhoods -that abound in lime, sycamore, and other -trees that are apt to be affected with honey-dew,)<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">- 159 -</a></span> -we cannot, of course, expect them to be very successful. -I have entered fully into this subject, when -speaking of early and late swarms, <a href="#Page_115">page 115</a>.</p> - -<p>To obviate the consequences there apprehended, -some apiarians have had recourse to the practice -of removing their bees to fresh pasture; to districts -where buckwheat is cultivated, or to the -neighbourhood of heaths, or to any other place -where such late blossoming flowers abound as -afford honey. Mr. <span class="smcap">Isaac</span> assures us that he -once had a poor swarm of a month’s standing, -which only weighed five pounds four ounces, and -that on the 30th of July he had it removed to -<i>Dartmoor Heath</i>, from whence it was brought -home, two months afterwards, increased in weight -twenty-four pounds and a half. He moreover -states that the increase of others, that were sent -there, was nearly proportional, and is of opinion -that the whole addition was made during the -month of August.</p> - -<p>In <span class="smcap">Lower Egypt</span>, where the flower harvest is -not so early as in the upper districts of that -country, this practice of <i>transportation</i> is carried -on to a considerable extent. The hives after -being collected together from the different villages, -and conveyed up the Nile marked and numbered -by the individuals to whom they belong, are heaped -pyramidally upon the boats prepared to receive -them, which floating gradually down the river and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">- 160 -</a></span> -stopping at certain stages of their passage, remain -there a longer or shorter time, according to the -produce which is afforded by the surrounding -country. “After traveling three months in this -manner, the bees, having culled the perfumes of -the orange flowers of the Said, the essence of roses<a name="FNanchor_7" id="FNanchor_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7" class="fnanchor">[G]</a> -of the Faicum, the treasures of the Arabian jessamine, -and a variety of flowers, are brought back -to the places from which they had been carried. -This industry procures, for the Egyptians, delicious -honey, and abundance of bees-wax. The -proprietors, in return, pay the boatmen a recompence -proportioned to the number of hives which -have been thus carried about from one extremity -of Egypt to the other.” <span class="smcap">Latreille</span> states that -between Cairo and Damietta a convoy of 4000 -hives were seen upon the Nile by <span class="smcap">Niebuhr</span>, on -their transit from the upper to the lower districts -of that country. Floating bee-hives were formerly -common also in <span class="smcap">France</span>. One barge was capable -of containing from 60 to 100 hives, which, floating -gently down their rivers, enabled the bees to -gather the honey which is afforded by the flowers -on their banks. <span class="smcap">Reaumur</span> likewise states it to -have been the practice in some districts to transport -them with similar views, by land, in vehicles -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">- 161 -</a></span> -contrived for the purpose. In <span class="smcap">Savoy</span>, <span class="smcap">Piedmont</span>, -and other parts of <span class="smcap">Italy</span>, the practice is also common. -It is indeed of very ancient origin. Columella -speaks of it as a very general custom among -the Greeks, who used annually to send their bee-hives -from Achaia into Attica.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_7" id="Footnote_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7"><span class="label">[G]</span></a> Whatever inducement the bees of Egypt may have to -ply the roses of that country, with us they pay very little -attention to those beautiful flowers.</p></div> - -<p>These, however, are advantages which very few -situations can afford; probably but few of my -readers may reside in the neighbourhood of heaths, -and still fewer may be disposed to incur the trouble -and expense of removal. If therefore incorporation -be desirable in any particular case, I can -only recommend that attention be paid to feeding -the bees with sugared ale; by the assistance of -which, indeed, I should not be afraid of carrying, -even a weak stock, very safely through the winter -and early spring. “Give your bees,” says Mr. -Isaac, “two harvests in one summer” (alluding to -the practice of transportation), “and you may -make almost any swarm rich enough to live -through the following winter.” This second -harvest may be very efficiently supplied by an attention -to feeding, during mild weather in winter, -and particularly in the early spring,—for the management -of which, see, <a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">Chap. XXIII.</a> on Feeding.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">- 162 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">PROPER PERIODS OF DEPRIVATION.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">I</span>t</span> should be an invariable rule with the apiarian, -never to remove an upper hive or box, till an -under one be quite full; and even then, it should -be ascertained that the contents of the inferior -one, (if taken at Michaelmas,) be not less than -18 pounds. If it do not contain so much, a -sufficient quantity should be returned in the box -that has been removed, otherwise recourse must -be had to feeding. <span class="smcap">Mr. Isaac</span> says that he has -carried a colony that had no honey at Michaelmas, -safely through the winter and spring, with -only eight pounds of honey. Huber succeeded -with less; but it appears that his observations -were made upon weak stocks that were not -altogether destitute.</p> - -<p>A variety of experiments were made by <span class="smcap">Mr. -John Hunter</span> and <span class="smcap">Mr. Keys</span>, to ascertain <i>the -quantity consumed during</i> the respective months -of <i>winter and spring</i>, and they all led to one conclusion, -namely, that it <i>amounted upon an average -to eight pounds</i>, taking the season through, from -the beginning of October to the end of May, -when the spring proves ungenial. <i>During the -first six months the consumption was not more -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">- 163 -</a></span> -than five pounds upon an average</i>, and the colder -the weather the smaller was the consumption. -<i>Vide</i> <a href="#Page_185">2nd page</a> of Chap. XXIV.</p> - -<p><i>As a general rule,—no honey should be taken -from a colony the first year of its being planted</i>, -though there may be an extraordinary season -now and then, which may justify a departure -from this rule; but neither in such an uncommon -year, nor even in the second year, -should the whole of the combs in any box be -taken, (unless it be clearly ascertained that the -centre combs contain no brood,) but only the external -ones, which should be examined carefully -one by one, and the brood-combs, if any, be returned -in the box to the stock. The apiarian, -as <span class="smcap">Huber</span> observes, if he wish to obtain a considerable -quantity of honey, should endeavour to -secure his object rather by the number of his -colonies, than by plundering a few of a great -proportion of their treasures. <i>A moderate participation -is the most infallible means of preserving -the stock.</i></p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i1"> Should “Summer signs auspicious ride.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And tubes unfailing pour the balmy tide,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">A full rich harvest, Bee-herds, may ye claim<br /></span> -<span class="i1">From the blithe tenants of your crystal’d frame.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">But long ere Virgo weaves the robe of sleet,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Or binds the hoar-frost sandals round her feet.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Close seal’d and sacred, leave your toil-worn hosts.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">The last kind dole their waning season boasts,<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">- 164 -</a></span> -<span class="i1">Lest coop’d within their walls, the truants prey<br /></span> -<span class="i1">On hoards reserv’d to cheer stern Winter’s day.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mr. Hubbard</span> says that he has found <i>colonized -bees frequently fail, in consequence of their having -been robbed of too much honey;</i> it prevents early -breeding. <span class="smcap">Wildman</span> <i>particularly recommends -cautious deprivation after July</i>, to avoid the attention -which might be required in feeding, if -the autumn should be unfavourable.</p> - -<p>So much for the first and second years.—On -the third, if the summer of that year as well as -the summer preceding have been favourable for -honey-gathering, the superior box will probably -contain no brood, and may then be taken all at -once.</p> - -<p>The proceedings of the fourth and fifth years -may fall under the practice of the second, but will -probably allow of an earlier deprivation; some -side combs may perhaps be taken away in July, -and in October either the nadir or the centre box -be removed entirely, and those above (if more -than one) be brought down, and remain so till -April; when the nadir may be introduced again.</p> - -<p><i>No hive or box should have its breeding combs -left more than five years;</i> and in general, after the -first year, the lower boxes will be found to be -principally occupied for this purpose.</p> - -<p>By this practice for four years out of every -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">- 165 -</a></span> -five, whatever combs are removed will be new -ones, which, on account of the purity both of the -wax and the honey, are greatly preferable to old -ones.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Virgil</span>, probably copying his predecessor -<span class="smcap">Aristotle</span>, describes <i>two harvests of honey every -year</i>, namely, in the spring and in the autumn.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“The golden harvest twice each year o’erflows,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Thou, twice each year, the plenteous cells unclose,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Soon as fair Pleïas, bright’ning into day.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Scorns with indignant foot the wat’ry way,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Or, when descending down th’ aërial steep,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">She pours her pale ray on the wintry deep.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Sotheby’s Georgics.</span></p></div> - -<p>"<span class="smcap">Varro</span> mentions <i>three harvests</i>; namely, at -the rising of the Pleiads, about the twenty-second -of April; the latter end of summer, and -when the same stars set about the end of October: -<span class="smcap">Columella</span> recommends them to take -place about the twenty-fifth of April and the -twenty-ninth of June; <span class="smcap">Pliny</span> in May and July; -and <span class="smcap">Palladius</span> in June only."—<span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p> - -<p>Should such an accident occur as the destruction -of a queen, by the introduction of a divider (and -she might be so unfortunately situated as to fall -a sacrifice to it), the stock will appear very much -distressed and very restless all day, particularly if -there be no Royal Embryo or no very young -larva; for in either of these cases they will soon -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">- 166 -</a></span> -become reconciled. But if neither of them be -present, and the bees be left to themselves, they -will lose their wonted activity, gradually dwindle -in number and pine away: or they will transfer -their allegiance to another sovereign; and in that -case, convey all the treasured sweets of their own -hive, to that of the family they join. <i>The only -remedy for such a misfortune</i> is to unite the bees -to another stock, in the manner already directed, -or to procure a supernumerary queen from another -family. The latter, however, is an operation -which few will have courage to attempt.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">- 167 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">TAKING HONEY BY MEANS OF DIVIDERS.</p> - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">A</span>fter</span> having noted the utility of Dividers, in -adding fresh <i>empty</i> boxes, the reader will readily -perceive their importance in the removal of <i>full</i> -ones, when the period arrives for depriving a -colony of a portion of its honey. In this case, -the two dividers must be introduced between the -middle board of the box to be removed and the -box below it, precisely as in nadir hiving. In -the act of deprivation a little more force will be -required to push in, as well as to withdraw the -divider, as it will generally have to pass through -a portion of honey-comb. The above directions -apply to the removal of an upper box, which will -in general be the first for which they will be required. -When any other is to be taken away, -the plan of proceeding must be varied, but it -would be tedious to give directions for every -case; an intelligent operator by an attention to -the instructions already given, and his own reflection, -will be able to adapt his mode of proceeding -to the particular exigency. Only one -divider should be introduced till the situation of -the queen be ascertained: if she be in the box -intended for removal, the divider must be withdrawn, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">- 168 -</a></span> -and the experiment tried again in a week -or two. If in an hour after the introduction of -the divider, the bees in the box intended to be -taken should exhibit symptoms of inquietude, it -may be assumed that the queen is not within that -box, the disturbance being caused by the anxiety -of the bees to have access to her; whereas if she -be in the box, the bees in company with her will -be tranquil, and the excluded portion of the -family will be in a state of commotion. Having, -we will suppose, ascertained that the queen is in -the desired place, the second divider should be -introduced as before directed, when the box, -with one of the dividers underneath it, must be -removed. The apiarian, when performing this -operation for the first time, may find it convenient -to raise a stage of empty bee-boxes or -other convenient articles, on one side or at -the back of the box to be removed, and upon a -level with the bottom of its middle board; he -can then, after having introduced the dividers, -very easily slide the full box, with its middle -board and divider, over his temporary stage. -(This mode of proceeding may likewise be found -applicable on other occasions.) The operation -having proceeded thus far, the box is ready for -being applied over the hole of delivery, where -a floor board should be placed with its sliding -shutter open, and with an uncovered empty box -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">- 169 -</a></span> -upon it. (If the full box were itself placed upon -the floor board, stranger bees might smell the -honey and become very troublesome intruders:—this -is the reason why an empty box is interposed -betwixt the full one and the floor board.) -The full box and middle board, with the divider -underneath them, being raised upon the empty -box and the divider withdrawn, a portion of the -bees will immediately sally forth, to join the family -from which they have been separated. I -say a portion, for notwithstanding their attachment -to their queen, they will not all quit, without reluctance, -so great a treasure as a box full of honey; -if any of the combs contain brood also, this reluctance -will be increased. When therefore the -bees issue slowly, the sliding shutter should be -closed, and re-opened in a quarter of an hour. -This short imprisonment will produce some impatience -and restlessness, and consequent eagerness -to be set at liberty; and on re-opening the -shutter there will be a fresh sally: this method -must be pursued, at similar successive intervals, -till all or nearly all the bees have quitted the box; -should a few still remain, the box, towards evening, -may be taken out of doors and the stragglers -brushed out upon a board or cloth, with a wing, -and placed upon a support near the entrance to -the stock; those that are not injured by the wing -will soon find their way in: thus will the whole -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">- 170 -</a></span> -operation be completed. But if the upper story -be taken, it will be obvious that either an empty -box or a top board must be placed over the stock.</p> - -<p>If this method of deprivation should fail of -success, some other course must be pursued. <span class="smcap">Mr. -Isaac’s</span> <i>plan</i> promises well. After removing the -box from the stock, he used to confine his bees in -it, till their anger and agitation had rendered their -prison so hot and uncomfortable, and probably so -unwholesome, by the deterioration of the air, that -they were glad of an opportunity to quit it, which -he soon afforded them. Unscrewing the top of -his box, and introducing a divider underneath it, -he placed an empty box <i>over</i> the full one, and -opened a communication between the two, by -withdrawing the divider. At the same time he -gave an additional impulse to the ascent of the -bees by drumming smartly upon the sides of the -full box. When the bees were entirely or nearly -gone, he took out either the whole of the combs -or such as contained honey without brood, proceeding -according to the directions given in page -163. There is another resource, in <i>the method</i> -uniformly <i>practised by</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Keys</span>, viz. that of -fuming, which is effected by placing an empty box -over the full one, in the manner described above, -and expelling the bees with the smoke of burning -puff balls, probably that of woollen rags would -answer as well, though Mr. Keys relies upon the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">- 171 -</a></span> -stupifying quality of the puff balls, which however, -he says, is in a great measure lost if the -balls be kept more than a year. The operation -may be afterwards finished in the usual way.</p> - -<p>Where straw-hives are used, or where boxes -are surmounted by them, <i>a very simple method</i> of -taking the honey, without destroying the bees, -was <i>adopted by</i> <span class="smcap">J. F. M. Dovaston, Esq.</span> a Salopian -gentleman. I will suppose that he took off -the hive with a middle board and divider underneath -it; he then inverted it upon a kettle of hot -water, fitted to receive the hive without any part -sinking into the water; the whole being surmounted -by an empty box, and the divider withdrawn: in -ten minutes the heat so annoyed the bees, that -they were heard marching, <i>magno cum fremitu</i>, -into the empty hive. In a few minutes, when all -was quiet, the divider being introduced again, the -hive was replaced by the box containing the bees. -Mr. D. found that on this plan not a single bee -remained among the combs. I see no good reason -why a similar practice should not be adopted with -boxes or Moreton-hives; in this case the water in -the kettle should be heated gradually by a chaffing-dish, -and the box or hive should have a perforated -divider under it, like that for uniting -stocks: the empty box had better communicate -with the open air, lest the heat of the steam -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">- 172 -</a></span> -should be intolerable to the bees. Having the top -unscrewed would probably answer the purpose, as -it could then be easily pushed on one side. <span class="smcap">Dr. -Evans</span>, when he could not readily dislodge the -bees from the box, had recourse to <span class="smcap">Dr. Warder’s</span> -plan of placing it over an inverted empty box, -that contained a lighted sulphur match, the fumes -of which stupified the bees’; and on the upper -hive being rapped, they fell down in a state of -insensibility, but soon revived and joined the -family, by the usual entrance. The fumes of -sulphur answered as well as those of the narcotic -fungus recommended by Thorley and Keys, -which it is sometimes difficult to procure and -troublesome to prepare. Immersing the bees in -cold water would answer, with a glass or earthenware -hive. <span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span> was led to adopt it in consequence -of reading Wildman’s account of Madame -Vicat’s method of clearing her bees from vermin, -by plunging them in water. The chapter on Bee-maladies -contains some remarks on this subject.</p> - -<p>At the commencement of my apiarian inquiries, -I felt that there was a want of more minute information -than is given by Keys; and others with -whom I have conversed upon the subject, have had -the same feeling: this has induced me to enter into a -descriptive detail of the whole business of super-hiving, -nadir-hiving, and deprivation. Those who -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">- 173 -</a></span> -are in possession of "<i>The ancient Bee-master’s Farewell</i>," -will perceive that I have made some alterations -in the boxes of Keys and some additions to -them: the principal of these are the sinking of the -entrances in the floor boards, instead of having -them cut in the lower edges of the boxes; having -fixed bars upon the tops of the boxes, instead of -Keys’s loose ones, and the use of middle boards. -The first was my own suggestion, the two last were -improvements made by Mr. Walond. Entrances -made in the floor boards enable the apiarian to -place his boxes upon the boards in whatever direction -he chooses, and render sliding shutters in the -upper boxes unnecessary. The loose bars were -inconvenient, from the bees attaching their combs -to the sides of the boxes, which they almost always -do, as well as from their attaching every -comb to two or three bars. The middle boards -facilitate the introduction of the dividers, secure -the apiator against the effects of any little irregularity -in the adaptation of the boxes to each other, -at the time of adding or taking away, and form a -good foundation for a superstructure of cell-work; -for sometimes the bees depart from their usual -practice of suspending their combs from the roofs -of the boxes, and build from below upwards.</p> - -<p>It is the usual custom in this country, to sacrifice -the lives of the bees, in order to get possession -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">- 174 -</a></span> -of their stores. This is generally done in September, -by setting the hive, late in an evening, -over lighted brimstone matches, placed in a hole -dug in the earth; the soil being quickly drawn -round the hive, as well to prevent the escape of any -of the bees, as to confine the sulphurous gas. In -about a quarter of an hour, if the hive receive a -few smart strokes on its sides, the bees will be -found to have dropped insensible into the hole, -where they are immediately buried; otherwise -they would revive, such of them at least as were -not singed or otherwise injured by the fire. The -heaviest and lightest hives are usually selected -for the purpose, the former as yielding most -profit, the latter as being unlikely to survive the -winter.</p> - -<p>If, after a hive of bees has been suffocated, the -apiarian wish to <i>search for the queen</i>, the best -mode of doing so is to lay the whole of the bees -on white paper, or in water on a white shallow -dish, and examine them singly; her colour upon -the back is not so remarkably different from that -of the workers as to be very striking; but on looking -at the under part of her, she will be immediately -recognised.</p> - -<p>I adverted to this latter mode of robbing bees -of their treasure in <a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">Chap. XIV.</a> and there quoted -the lamentation of Thomson at their fate. For -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">- 175 -</a></span> -this humane appeal, he has been thus apostrophized -by Dr. Evans.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“And thou, sweet Thomson, tremblingly alive<br /></span> -<span class="i1">To pity’s call, hast mourn’d the slaughter’d hive,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Cursing, with honest zeal, the coward hand,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Which hid, in night’s dark veil, the murd’rous brand,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">In steam sulphureous wrapt the peaceful dome,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And bore the yellow spoil triumphant home.”<br /></span> -</div></div> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">- 176 -</a></span></p> - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">THE BEE-DRESS.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">T</span>he</span> Storifying system, when conducted with proper -precaution, in a bee-house, renders a bee-dress -quite superfluous to the apiarian, as all his -operations may be safely performed at all times -and in all weathers, without one.</p> - -<p>They may be as securely performed, by the -storifier in a simple shed, if the time of operating -be either early or late in the day, when the bees -are all at home and can be confined by shutting -the slide of the floor board.</p> - -<p>Still, as timidity may foster a feeling of insecurity, -and as the armour of a bee-dress may give -confidence to an operator, I shall describe the -dress that appears to me most suitable.</p> - -<p>In the first place the apiator should be armed -with <i>a pair of thick cloth gloves</i>, made to tie over -the sleeves of his coat. Secondly, his legs should -be fortified by a <i>double pair of thick woollen or -worsted stockings</i>, or some kind of <i>stout leggings</i> -as they are called. And thirdly, he should be -provided with <i>a short dress of Scotch gauze or catgut</i>. -This dress should be so formed as to tie -round the crown of a hat having a shallow brim -(about 2½ inches deep), should have short sleeves -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">- 177 -</a></span> -to tie round the arms, and descend low enough to -tie round the body. <i>A woollen apron</i> should also -be worn, as high as the bottom of the catgut dress, -otherwise, in the language of Mr. Keys, the prying -little insects may find an opening of sufficient size -to enable them to tickle the belly. “Women,” -says Mr. K. “should not meddle with bees, without -a bee-dress, nor then without the addition of a -man’s coat, and I had almost said of breeches also.”</p> - -<p>This dress is the most complete mode of securing -an operator from bees or wasps; but if he -be adventurous enough to brave their attacks, I -recommend him first to drink or rinse his mouth -with a little malt liquor; to wash his face and -hands with the same, and to approach them with -a bunch of sweet herbs in his hand, gently fanning -his face with them, whilst he is in the vicinity of -their domicile, and breathing as much as possible -through his nose. (<i>Vide</i> Part II. <a href="#Page_277">Bee’s Sting</a>.) -In case of an actual or threatened attack, (the -latter of which may be known by the peculiar -noise which precedes it,) a defence by striking -at them would be highly imprudent. An attempt -may be first made to put them gently away; -should that not succeed, the only resource is to -retire quietly, and to conceal the face in shrubs or -boughs, if any be near, or if not with the hands -spread over it. The bees will then generally -desist from further attack, and go home.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">- 178 -</a></span></p> - -<p>The smart quick strokes of the wings, when -bees are angry and prepared to sting, give a sound -very different from their usual buz. “Instead,” -says Mr. Hunter, “of that soft contented noise -made by the bee when coming home loaded on -a fine evening,—when a bee meditates an attack -with its sting, it makes a very different one.” -There is a piercing shrillness in the sound, as the -author and some of his friends have often experienced.</p> - -<p>Messrs. Kirby and Spence, after quoting a -passage from Mr. White’s Natural History, relative -to the feigned attacks of some wild bees -near Lewes in Sussex, which “with a sharp and -hostile sound dash and strike round the heads and -faces of intruders,” make the following observations. -“The hive-bee will sometimes have recourse -to the same expedient, when her hive is -approached too near, and thus give you notice -what you may expect, if you do not take her -warning and retire.—Humble-bees when disturbed, -whether out of the nest or in it, assume -some very grotesque and at the same time threatening -attitudes. If you put your finger to them, -they will either successively or simultaneously -lift up the three legs of one side; turn themselves -upon their back, bend up their anus and show -their sting accompanied by a drop of poison. -Sometimes they will even spirt out that liquor.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">- 179 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">FEEDING.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">A</span> stock</span> of bees will, generally, consume a pound -of honey per month, betwixt the 1st of October -and the 1st of March: from this time to the end -of May, they will consume two pounds per month; -<i>if the spring be unfavourable for gathering early, -and less than ten pounds of honey per stock have -been left for their winter’s support, and that winter -have proved mild, the bees should be fed early in -the season, and sometimes through a considerable -part of the month of May</i>.</p> - -<p>I believe the best spring food for bees is the -following <span class="smcap">compound</span>: A pound of coarse brown -sugar and half a pint of ale or sweet wort, boiled -to the consistence of a syrup, to which may be -added a small portion of salt. According to -Huber <i>the coarsest sugar enables the bees to form -the whitest wax</i>. The above mixture is regarded, -by some, as a useful food for bees even when there -is no deficiency of honey; <i>it is supposed to encourage -early breeding, and to preserve the health -of the bees</i>; I administer it invariably from the -end of February or the beginning of March till the -bees seem to disregard it, which always happens -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">- 180 -</a></span> -as soon as the flowers afford them a supply of -honey.</p> - -<p>There are two opinions upon <i>the best mode of -administering the syrup</i>: one party gives the preference -to <i>daily feeding, in small quantities;</i> the -other, to <i>introducing a considerable quantity at once</i>, -and repeating it as occasion may require. The -majority of apiarians favour the latter practice; -among the number are <span class="smcap">Reaumur</span>, <span class="smcap">Thorley</span>, -<span class="smcap">Isaac</span>, <span class="smcap">Morris</span>, &c. the latter gentleman obtained -an award often guineas from the Society of Arts, -for his method of feeding. The advocates of the -first method are <span class="smcap">Keys</span>, <span class="smcap">Espinasse</span>, and some -others. Copious feeding in effected by filling the -cells on one side of a spare drone comb, laid flat -upon the floor of the hive; or by pouring the -syrup into a dish, or an excavated floor board of -twice the usual thickness, covering the food with -short straws or pieces of reed, about half an inch -long, to prevent the bees from soiling themselves. -The stock being placed in an evening over the -whole,—in the course of the night, or the following -morning, the bees will carry up the syrup, and -store it in unoccupied cells. Where it has been -ascertained that the bees have not stored a -sufficient quantity of honey to carry them through -the winter and ensuing spring, and it is determined -to furnish them with a supply in the autumn, I -think this method of copious feeding is the best. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">- 181 -</a></span> -But when they are fed in the spring, I think it -preferable to give them about a table-spoonful a -day. This has generally been accomplished, by -introducing into the mouth of the hive a long -boat, formed by scooping out the pith from an -elder stem, and filling it with the composition. -Upon this plan, no more is introduced than the -case requires, and frequent opportunities are -afforded of learning the condition of the bees, -from the manner in which they receive the boon. -If a little irascibility be exhibited, it is a symptom -of health; and though indifference to the proffered -bounty may not actually betoken mischief, yet -it deserves attention, and should induce vigilance -in the apiarian. Feeding upon the large scale in -spring, tempts the bees to fill those cells which -may be wanted for the queen to deposit her eggs -in, and thus proves a drawback upon the strength -and prosperity of the hive. It may also cause the -bees to partake too freely of the syrup, and suffer -from their intemperance. Whichever mode be -adopted, the external entrances must be closed, -during the time of feeding; and I know of no -better contrivance for this purpose than Mr. -Huish’s tin guards. Without this precaution, -unfed stranger bees, attracted by the smell of the -syrup, will banquet upon it; and these marauders, -having once tasted the repast, will not only return -to it again and again themselves, but bring in -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">- 182 -</a></span> -their train a multitude of others, to the great -injury of the well-fed apiary. The way in which -I feed my own bees is exceedingly simple, and -attended with no risk to the apiarian. At the -close of the gathering season, I turn my boxes -and their floors a quarter round, and adapt to -them a long narrow box with a glass top and two -openings, one at the end, serving as a street door, -the other in the side serving as a hall door leading -into the box, as shown in the following sketch.</p> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 241px;"> -<img src="images/page182.png" width="241" height="182" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>In an evening, when the bees are all at home, I -push in the slide of the floor board, raise the -glazed box, and place the syrup under it: then I -close the external entrance, and withdraw the -slide to admit the bees to the food: by morning I -generally find that my donation has been removed. -I place the syrup in a small shallow saucer, -covered over with Scotch gauze, through which -the bees suck it without smearing their wings. -If the gauze hang over the sides of the saucer, it -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">- 183 -</a></span> -will act as a syphon, and the syrup be wasted: to -obviate this inconvenience, a small hoop of whale-bone, -cane, or other pliable material should be just -dropped within the edges of the saucer, and upon -this hoop the gauze should be stretched, turned -over and secured with a needle and thread.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">- 184 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">DISEASES OF BEES.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">I</span> suspect</span> that much which has been written upon -this subject is fanciful, and that most of the ailments -of bees originate from want of cleanliness or want -of food; for if bees be not kept clean, and be not -supplied with food in backward springs, particularly -in those which succeed mild winters, a mortality -among them is usually experienced; and it -is in spring that their alleged maladies prevail.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“For late the lynx-ey’d scout, in nice survey,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Had mark’d the ravage of ungenial May,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Where the lorn bee-herd wail’d his empty shed,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Its stores exhausted, and its tenants dead.”<br /></span> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“So mourn’d Arcadia’s swain<a name="FNanchor_8" id="FNanchor_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8" class="fnanchor">[H]</a> his honey’d host,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">By keen disease or keener famine lost.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Till his fond mother, on her glassy throne,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Heard through deep Peneus’<a name="FNanchor_9" id="FNanchor_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9" class="fnanchor">[I]</a> wave the filial moan.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_8" id="Footnote_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8"><span class="label">[H]</span></a> Aristæus, the son of Apollo and the nymph Cyrene, to -whom mankind were said to be indebted for the art of -curdling milk, <i>managing bees</i>, <i>making hives</i>, and cultivating -olives; on which account he was worshipped as a God by -the Greeks. He was the father of the unfortunate Actæon.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_9" id="Footnote_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9"><span class="label">[I]</span></a> A river of Thessaly.</p></div> - -<p>During a mild winter the stock of honey is often -exhausted, such a season encouraging the bees to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">- 185 -</a></span> -be active, without affording any resources beyond -their own domicile; yet it is not uncommon to -hear the keepers of bees speak of a mild winter -as favourable for the bees. It is most unfavourable -to them; and if feeding be not duly attended -to, frequently fatal. Hence <i>a northern aspect</i> has -been <i>recommended</i> for hives <i>during winter</i>; and if -guarded by proper coverings, and contrivances -against snow and other bad weather, such an aspect -is highly proper. The <span class="smcap">Rev. Stephen -White</span> observes, that if hives be placed on the -northern side of a building, the bees will seldom -be induced to come out, and will eat much less -than if exposed to the winter’s sun. <span class="smcap">Mr. Gedde</span> -<i>recommends</i> keeping them during winter, <i>not only</i> -in <i>a cold, but</i> in <i>a dark situation</i>, in order to lessen -the consumption of honey. He even suggests the -use of an ice-house, having found that bees survive -the cold in Siberia, and render Russia somewhat -remarkable for its productiveness of honey. -“A very observing gentleman,” says <span class="smcap">Dr. Darwin</span>, -“at my request, put two hives for many weeks -into a dry cellar, and observed, during all that -time, that they did not consume any of their provision, -for their weight did not decrease, as it had -done when they were kept in the open air.” The -same observation is made in the Annual Register -for 1768, p. 113. The sudden transitions from -heat to cold, and from cold to heat, experienced -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">- 186 -</a></span> -in this country, are detrimental to bees; but these -vicissitudes would not alarm me, if the bees were -well sheltered, and had a convenient supply of -water, salt and sugar, in the early part of the -spring.</p> - -<p>Keys thought they were not fond of salt: from -my own experience as well as from that of my -apiarian friends, I am satisfied that he was mistaken, -and my opinion is confirmed by the following -observation in Crevecœur’s Travels. “One -day, having remarked that my bees frequently -settled on spots, where brine had been spilt, I -placed some grains of salt before their hives. -What was my astonishment, when I saw them -repeatedly tasting it with eagerness, and carrying -it away with them! Before this experiment, I -could not have believed that the manufacturers of -honey could taste with pleasure, a substance so -different from the nectar of flowers.”</p> - -<p><i>In the winter of 1782-3, a general mortality</i> -took place <i>among the bees</i> in this country, which -was attributed to various causes: want of honey -was not one of them; for in some hives considerable -store was found, after the bees were gone. -Some were of opinion that it arose from the preceding -being a bad breeding year, and thought the -bees died of old age. Others attributed it to the -moistness of the spring of 1783, which rendered -the providing of pollen difficult, for without pollen -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">- 187 -</a></span> -no brood can be raised. The difficulty of collecting -pollen was ascribed to the continual closing of -the flowers over the anthers, the want of sun to -burst the anthers, and the washing away of the -pollen by the frequent showers after they did -burst. The fatal influence ascribed to the wetness -of the spring of 1782 seems to be improbable; -though the wet might have affected the quantity -of bees bred, it was not likely to put a stop to -their breeding altogether, and the young bees -ought at any rate to have escaped the desolating -evil, if it were old age alone; yet wherever the -mortality once made its appearance, every bee -became its victim.</p> - -<p><i>A similar incident occurred among the wasps in -the year</i> 1824. The queen wasps were unusually -numerous in the spring of that year, and yet -scarcely a wasp could be seen of any sort in the -ensuing summer and autumn, though there was a -great deal of fine weather and plenty of sunshine, -the fruits having ripened remarkably well. In -both cases, it seems probable that the mortality -arose from some unfavourable circumstance at the -breeding season, with which we are unacquainted. -I am not aware that it has been attributed to any -specific distemper of an epidemical nature. <span class="smcap">Mr. -Knight</span> <i>noticed a similar occurrence, as to wasps, -in the year</i> 1806 (Philosophical Transactions 1807, -p. 243); and <i>in</i> 1815, <span class="smcap">Messrs. Kirby</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Spence -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">- 188 -</a></span></span> -<i>made the same observation</i>. Mr. Knight supposed -the scarcity to arise from a want of males to impregnate -the queens.</p> - -<p>I shall now proceed to notice the maladies of -bees; and state their causes, symptoms and remedies, -as I have collected them from ancient and -modern authors.</p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">Dysentery.</span></p> - -<p>This malady was attributed by <span class="smcap">Columella</span> to -the bees extracting and feeding upon honey collected -from the blossoms of elms and spurge; he -regarded it as an annual distemper. By others -it has been ascribed to their feeding too freely -upon the vernal honey, from whatever source -derived; or from their being obliged to eat wax, -through want of other food, in the early part of -the spring. <span class="smcap">Madame Vicat</span> supposed it to arise -from the feeding upon honey that had been -candied, in consequence of the hive being exposed -to a severe winter. <span class="smcap">Reaumur</span> instituted some -experiments to ascertain the cause of dysentery, -but they were not satisfactory.</p> - -<p>The presence of this disorder is indicated by -the appearance of the excrement, which, instead -of a reddish yellow, exhibits a muddy black -colour, and has an intolerably offensive smell. -Also by its being voided upon the floors, and at -the entrance of the hives, which bees, in a healthy -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">- 189 -</a></span> -State, are particularly careful to preserve clean. -<span class="smcap">Huish</span> compares the morbid excrement to linseed.</p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">Vertigo.</span></p> - -<p><i>Vertige</i>, as <span class="smcap">Du Carne de Blangy</span> calls it, is -supposed to arise from the bees extracting the -honey of deleterious plants. I have treated fully -upon this subject under the head of Pasturage. -In addition to what has been there stated I will -give an extract from <span class="smcap">Dr. Barton’s</span> <i>Paper</i>, who -after observing that there is more poetry than -philosophy in the following lines of Pope—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“In the nice bee what sense so subtly true<br /></span> -<span class="i1">From poisonous herbs extracts the healing dew?”<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p class="p0">says: “It is however much to be questioned -whether this noxious honey proves so to the bees -themselves.” Sir J. E. Smith asserts that “the -nectar of plants is not poisonous to bees.” <i>Syllabus -to Botan. Lect.</i> And Dr. Barton, though -disposed to adopt the contrary opinion, gives -instances to the same effect. Thus a party of -young men, induced by the prospect of gain, -having removed their hives from <i>Pennsylvania</i> to -<i>the Jerseys</i>, whose vast savannahs were finely -painted with the flowers of the <i>Kalmia angustifolia</i>, -could not use or dispose of their honey, on account -of its intoxicating quality; yet, “the bees increased -prodigiously,” an increase only to be explained by -their being well and <i>harmlessly</i> fed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">- 190 -</a></span></p> - -<p>This disorder is marked, we are told, by a -dizzy manner of flying, and by irregular motions, -such as starting, falling down, &c. when the bees -are pursuing their usual occupations. To these -symptoms succeed lassitude and death. No remedy -has hitherto been discovered for this malady.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Huber</span> <i>says that vertigo attacks ants</i>, and causes -them to lose the power of moving in a straight -line, and occasions the performance of rapid gyrations -always in the same direction: he observed -one insect make about 1000 turns in an hour, -describing a circle of about an inch in diameter; -this continued for seven days: he does not say -whether he ever knew any instance of a recovery.</p> - -<p>In Dr. Barton’s ingenious paper, to which I -have already referred in the chapter on Pasturage, -the plants enumerated as yielding poisonous honey -are <i>Kalmia angustifolia, latifolia</i>, and <i>hirsuta</i>; -<i>Rhododendron maximum</i>, <i>Azalea nudiflora</i>, and -<i>Andromeda mariana</i>. The honey of these is stated -to have proved injurious both to dogs and the -human species. <i>The symptoms</i> it usually produces -<i>are dimness of sight or vertigo, delirium, -ebriety, pain in the stomach and bowels, convulsions, -profuse perspiration, foaming at the mouth, vomiting -and purging</i>; in some instances, <i>temporary -palsy of the limbs</i>, but very <i>seldom death</i>. The -best mode of treatment is not yet ascertained; -though the similarity of the symptoms, the Doctor -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">- 191 -</a></span> -says, would induce us to pursue the same plan as -in counteracting other narcotic poisons. In those -cases, <i>early vomiting</i>, whether spontaneous or induced -by art, removes the disease at once; and -<i>cold bathing</i>, so useful in other spasmodic or convulsive -affections, is employed with considerable -advantage by both Natives and Europeans. This -should seem to be one of those cases in which -the <i>stomach-pump</i> would be peculiarly beneficial, -from the promptness and certainty of its action.</p> - -<p>To the credit of the genus of plants last named, -it should be mentioned that one species (<i>Andromeda -nitida</i> or <i>lucida</i> of <span class="smcap">Bartram</span>) affords abundance of -excellent honey; hence the name of <i>honey-flower</i> -is given to it, by the country people in <i>Georgia</i> -and <i>Carolina</i>, not however merely from the circumstance -just mentioned, but from the regular -position of the flowers on the peduncle, which -open like the cells of a honey-comb, and from the -odour of these flowers, which greatly resembles -that of honey."—<i>Barton</i>.</p> - -<p>“As most of the plants enumerated in the above -list are now introduced into our gardens, and the -<i>Datura</i> (<i>common Thorn Apple</i>) has long become -perfectly naturalized, they might be supposed to -injure the British honey. Most probably, however, -their proportion to the whole of the flowers -in bloom, is too small to produce any such -inconvenience; whereas on their native continent -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">- 192 -</a></span> -they exclusively cover whole tracts of country, as -instanced above in the Jerseys.” <i>Evans</i>, B. ii. p. 95.</p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">Tumefaction of the Antennæ.</span></p> - -<p>The antennæ, in this disorder, become swelled -at their extremities, which resemble the bud of a -flower ready to open, and they assume a yellow -colour, of which the forepart of the head shortly -partakes; the bees becoming gradually languid -and dying, if they have not timely assistance.—This -malady occurs about the month of May.</p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">Pestilence</span>, or <span class="smcap">Faux Couvain</span> (<i>as Schirach calls it</i>).</p> - -<p>Pestilence has been reckoned among bee-maladies, -and attributed to the residence of dead -larvæ in the cells, from a careless deposition of -ova by the queen, (the head of the grub not being -placed in a proper position for exclusion, when -that period has arrived,) it has also been ascribed -to cold, and to bad nursing, that is, feeding with -unwholesome food.</p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">Treatment.</span></p> - -<p>The remedies which have been found most -successful in all these maladies, excepting vertigo, -are <i>cordials</i>, namely <i>wine</i> and <i>sugar</i>. This circumstance, -taken in conjunction with their occurring at -the spring of the year, tends to confirm my opinion -that the ailments of bees arise from hunger and -filth.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">- 193 -</a></span></p> - -<p><i>Cleanliness</i> and <i>timely supplies of sugared ale</i>, -particularly <i>during the months of February and -March</i>, are the preventive remedies which have -hitherto preserved my bees in a state of healthful -activity. In ungenial springs, feeding should be -continued even <i>through a considerable part of -May</i>, if the preceding autumn have been unfavourable, -or if a cold May have succeeded to -warm weather in early spring,—the earliest vernal -flowers affording but a scanty supply of honey. -The apiarian is sometimes astonished that he -should lose his bees at this advanced season of the -year, when but a short time before he had seen -them in full health and activity. Had he afforded -that food which his bees could not obtain from a -comparatively immature and honeyless vegetation, -their hives would still have gladdened him with -the spectacle of a thriving population.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“If e’er dank autumn, with untimely storm,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">The honey’d harvest of the year deform,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Or the chill blast, from Eurus’ mildew wing,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Blight the fair promise of returning spring,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Full many a hive but late alert and gay,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Droops in the lap of all-inspiring May.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>The reader must now perceive the importance -of feeding, and that the transition from health to -languor and death is less frequently to be ascribed -to disease, than to the want of the necessary -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">- 194 -</a></span> -means to continue the vital energy. The suddenness -of the unhappy change may reasonably lead -the uninformed or improvident to suppose that -an incurable malady has visited their hives:—so -long as the store of honey lasted, there were health -and prosperity; but that gone, famine commenced -its ravages, and an extinction of the bees of course -followed. A little foresight and a little trouble -would have kept off the calamity. I am perhaps -tediously particular in this notice. I wish to impress -my noviciate bee-friends with the necessity -of thus providing for their hives, that the most -frequent agent of mischief,—hunger,—may be kept -out of them. Still further let me also recommend -to them, on the approach of winter to have the -floors of their hives or boxes well cleaned from -insects and their eggs, and from all heterogeneous -matter. This is a business which the bees themselves, -when the weather admits of it, are particularly -attentive to; indeed they refrain, as -much as possible, from dropping their excrement -upon the floors, taking advantage of every fine -day in winter to sally forth and get rid of it. This -was proved by the experiments of Mr. Hunter: indeed -they sometimes fall a sacrifice to their personal -neatness in this respect, their bodies becoming -so swelled, from the accumulation of fæces, as completely -to disable them from flying, when the weather -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">- 195 -</a></span> -is sufficiently favourable to admit of their -going out; in consequence of which, they fall -to the ground and perish.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Schirach</span> and others recommend, in cases of -<i>Faux Couvain</i>, to cut out the infected combs, and -to clean and fumigate the hive by burning aromatics -under it.</p> - -<p>In <span class="smcap">Butler’s</span> <i>Feminine Monarchie</i>, we are gravely -told of a certain bee-mistress, who, finding her -hives fruitless, and their tenants pining away with -sickness, by the advice of another female, went to -receive the eucharist, and having kept it in her -mouth, placed it, on her return home, in one of -the diseased hives. The plague ceased; honey -accumulated; and, on examining the inside, she -found a waxen chapel and altar, of wondrous -architecture, and even bells of the same materials.—Gent. -Mag. 1809. p. 316.</p> - -<p>To prove that there is much of fancy in the -traditional accounts respecting bee-maladies, I -will mention <i>the various hypotheses concerning -dysentery</i>. <span class="smcap">Columella</span> speaks of its arising from -the bees feeding upon honey collected from elm -and spurge blossoms; my own neighbourhood -abounds with both; but I never met with nor -scarcely heard of dysentery among the bees here. -<span class="smcap">Evelyn</span> in his <i>Sylva</i> expresses doubts upon the -subject; and <span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span> says he made particular -inquiries of some friends in Worcestershire, which -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">- 196 -</a></span> -(like this county—Herefordshire) abounds with -elms, without obtaining satisfactory information.</p> - -<p>Dysentery has also been said to be produced by -a surfeit of vernal honey, simply as such, from -whatever flowers derived: were this true it would -occur in all neighbourhoods. With respect to -its proceeding from their eating wax, I am decidedly -of opinion that wax never constitutes any -part of their food, under any circumstances; not -a tittle of evidence can be adduced in support of -such an assertion. Wax is an excrementitious -matter, secreted among the abdominal folds of the -bees for the sole purpose of constructing the -honey and brood-combs: the scraps of wax that -are observed in winter and spring upon the hive -floors, and which, to the minds of common observers, -convey the idea that they are crumbs caused -by the bees consuming the wax for food, are produced -by their nibbling the lids of the cells to -uncover the honey. If <span class="smcap">Madame Vicat’s</span> <i>theory</i> -were correct, what would become of all the bees -in Siberia and other northern regions? Huish -says he never found honey in this country to -candy in the combs, but adds that Bonner assured -him that <i>he</i> had experienced it. <i>Vide</i> chapter on -<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">Honey</a>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Kirby</span> and <span class="smcap">Spence</span> have given it as their -opinion, that dysentery arises from the bees -having an insufficiency of pollen or bee-bread to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">- 197 -</a></span> -eat with their honey. We have no evidence that -pollen constitutes any part of the food of <i>adult</i> -bees; and if it did, they have generally opportunities -of storing it very abundantly, in the autumn, -as well as in the spring: and such is the provident -industry of bees, that a considerable surplus is -always found in every stock-hive.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wildman</span> and <span class="smcap">Huish</span> recommend salt for preserving -the health of bees; and their frequenting -stable drains and other receptacles of urine gives -countenance to this recommendation, as it seems -probable that the saline matter contained in -those fluids attracts the bees, their desire for it -overcoming that repugnance to offensive odours -which would otherwise occasion them to avoid -such places. Even fresh urine has been recommended -by <span class="smcap">Ranconi</span>, an <i>Italian</i> author, in case -the bees should be attacked by dysentery;—in all -probability a weak solution of salt would be more -acceptable and equally efficacious. I always introduce -a small portion of it into the syrup with -which I feed my bees. <span class="smcap">Keys</span> says that they are -not fond of salt. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#Page_186">Page 186</a>.</p> - -<p>I will close this chapter on the Diseases of -Bees with an extract from Nicholson’s Journal, -vol. xxiii. p. 234: Scientific Intelligence.</p> - -<p>“A large swarm of bees having settled on a -branch of <i>the poison ash</i>, (<i>Rhus Vernix</i>,) in the -county of West Chester in America, was taken -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">- 198 -</a></span> -into a hive of fir at three o’clock in the afternoon, -and removed to the place where it was to remain, -at nine. About five the next morning the bees -were found dead, swelled to double their natural -size, and black, except a few, which appeared -torpid and feeble, and soon died on exposure to -the air.” This was attributed to their being -poisoned by the effluvia of the <i>Rhus Vernix</i>.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">- 199 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">ENEMIES OF BEES.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">A</span>mong</span> the enemies of bees are enumerated various -kinds of birds, poultry, mice, wax-moths, -slugs, hornets, wasps, woodlice, ants, and spiders.</p> - -<p>The most destructive enemies of the bee, in this -country, are <i>wasps</i>, whose superior strength, boldness -and number, enable them to commit great -ravages in a hive. One wasp is supposed to be -a match for three bees, and, to filch a belly-full -of honey, will oppose a host of bees in a very -daring manner.</p> - -<p>The <i>wax-moth</i> (<i>Tinea mellonella</i>) is also a dangerous -enemy. <span class="smcap">Mr. Espinasse</span> says that this is -the smallest of the genus, and it is of a whitish -brown colour. The butterfly usually appears about -weak hives in April, and may be seen till the end -of October. This insect is remarkably active in -its movements; and if the approach to the hives -be observed of a moonlight evening, the moths -will be found flying, or running round the hives, -watching an opportunity to enter; whilst the bees -that have to guard the entrances against their -intrusion, will be seen acting as vigilant sentinels, -performing continual rounds near this important -post, extending their antennæ to the utmost, and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">- 200 -</a></span> -moving them to the right and to the left alternately. -Woe to the unfortunate moth that comes -within their reach! “It is curious,” says <span class="smcap">Huber</span>, -“to observe how artfully the moth knows to -profit, to the disadvantage of the bees, which require -much light for seeing objects; and the precautions -taken by the latter in reconnoitring, -and expelling so dangerous an enemy.” Adroitly -gliding between the guards, the moths will often -contrive to insinuate themselves, unperceived, into -the hives, and riot upon the honey. When they -have obtained possession, they deposit their eggs -upon the sides of the combs; the caterpillar is -formed and inclosed in a case of white silk; at -first, it is like a mere thread, but gradually increases -to the size of a quill, and during its growth -feeds upon the wax around it. It seems very -extraordinary, and would be almost incredible if -the fact were not well attested, that such tiny -creatures should live in the midst, and at the expense -of myriads of such formidable insects as -bees, protected as they are by coats of mail, -armed with weapons of offence, and ever watchful -of their treasure. Such, however, is the havoc -sometimes made by these apparently insignificant, -but active enemies, as now and then to compel a -colony of bees to emigrate, and seek another -habitation.</p> - -<p>In this country, where the apiary is generally -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">- 201 -</a></span> -situated near the dwelling, <i>birds</i> do not commit -any great ravages. <span class="smcap">Mr. Espinasse</span> thinks that -in general they come only for <i>dead bees</i> and <i>larvæ</i>, -which may have been thrown out of the hives. -But in America, according to <span class="smcap">Mr. Hector St. -John</span>, <i>the king bird</i>, the protector of corn-fields -from the depredation of crows, is a great destroyer -of bees. After shooting these birds, Mr. -St. John has found bees in their craws, from one -of which he took as many as a hundred-and-seventy-one: -on laying them all on a blanket in -the sun, fifty-four of them returned to life, licked -themselves clean, and joyfully went back to their -hives. Many wonderful tales of this kind have -been told,—such as the recovery of flies that had -been inclosed for a considerable time in bottles -of liquor (madeira). An instance of this is related -by Wildman, who says his informant was a -very ingenious and accurate gentleman:—that the -madeira had been brought, in bottle, from Virginia -to London, and that the flies when exposed -to a warm sun for an hour or two, were so completely -reanimated, as to take wing; thus putting -to the test, as Wildman’s friend observed, the -truth of the opinion, that a fly cannot be drowned.—A -very marvellous tale was related last year in -the newspapers, of the recovery of some apparently -dead bees after the substance containing -them had been submitted to a considerable heat -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">- 202 -</a></span> -or to a chemical process. Mr. St. John’s statement -is within the bounds of credibility: it seems -to have been a case of suspended animation of -short continuance, not produced by exposure to -gas or to any liquid likely to prove deleterious to -them; and it is well known that bees often recover -even after suffocation with sulphurous gas. -Bees may be immersed in water for a long -time, without loss of life. Reaumur saw them recover -after nine hours immersion. Dr. Evans -accidentally left some eighteen hours in water; -when laded out with a spoon and placed in the -sunshine the majority of them recovered. Other -animals, of analogous species, exhibit still more -wonderful resurrections. De Geer has observed -one species of mite to live for some time in spirit -of wine; and Mr. Kirby states that being desirous -of preserving a very pretty lady-bird, and not -knowing how to accomplish it, he immersed it in -geneva. “After leaving it,” says he, “in this -situation a day and a night, and seeing it without -motion, I concluded it was dead, and laid it in the -sun to dry. It no sooner, however, felt the -warmth than it began to move, and afterwards -flew away.” This circumstance laid the foundation -of Mr. K.’s study of entomology.</p> - -<p>Of this adherence to life, advantage has been -taken at the time of deprivation,—recourse having -been had to immersion for removing a portion of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">- 203 -</a></span> -the combs, the bees were afterwards spread on a -cloth in the sun, and became reanimated. Dr. Derham -says that he has known bees revive after -remaining twenty-four hours under an exhausted -air-pump. After long submersion the proboscis -of the bee is generally unfolded, and stretched to -its full length. The first symptom of returning -animation, is a motion at its extremity, succeeded -by a similar motion at the extremities of the -legs. Having so far progressed towards recovery, -the tongue is soon folded up again, and the bee -prepared to resume its customary occupations.</p> - -<p><i>Moths</i> and <i>spiders</i> should be watched and destroyed -in an evening, as at that time the former -are hovering about, and the latter laying their -snares; at that time too there would be less -danger of annoying the bees, or of being annoyed -by them. Wherever moths have gained possession -of a hive, it is always necessary to destroy -the bees, or to drive them into another hive.</p> - -<p>Attention to the following particulars may guard -the bees from many of their enemies. A frequent -cleaning of the hive floors; the use of new or well -cleaned hives; the timely renewal of the coverings, -and keeping the ground bare around the -apiary, particularly in front of it. This last precaution -may also prevent the entanglement of the -bees in rubbish or long straggling vegetables, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">- 204 -</a></span> -should they on their return home fall down -through fatigue or the weight of their loads.</p> - -<p>From <i>rats</i> and <i>mice</i> the surest safeguard is an -appropriate position of the hives; traps may also -be laid, and in winter the entrances into the hives -contracted. It will be prudent likewise to case -the legs of the bee-benches with tin. Bees in a -healthy vigorous state will attack and kill an intruding -mouse; but in winter it might commit -great depredations, and cause the emigration of -the bees on the return of warm weather. (Mr. -Espinasse says that he has known a mouse take -up his winter quarters in a hive, without destroying -the bees.)</p> - -<p>For protection against <i>ants</i>, which sometimes -enter the hives and eat the honey, <span class="smcap">Mr. Cobbett</span>, -in his <i>Cottage Economy</i>, recommends that the -pedestals or legs of the benches supporting the -hives should be surrounded by a green stick, -twisted into a circular form and covered with -<i>tar</i>; and if the ant nest can be traced, that <i>boiling -water</i> should be poured into the centre of it, at -night, when all the family are at home. The tarring -of the stick should be repeated every two or -three days: the legs of the stool, or the posts -on which the shed stands, may also be tarred. -Some bees may be lost by sticking in the tar, but -this disadvantage will be more than counter-balanced -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">- 205 -</a></span> -by the destruction of the ants. <i>Slaked -lime</i> may be beneficially spread about a foot wide -round the apiary. The usual custom has been -to renew this sprinkling of lime every two or -three days: but the <i>experiments of</i> <span class="smcap">Mr. Coleridge</span> -(Southey’s Brazil, i. 645) show that this step is -unnecessary: by exposure to the air, lime is converted -into chalk; and according to Mr. C, (who -states that the formic acid transpires from the -bodies of ants so as to leave its traces upon the -substances which they traverse,) if ants attempt to -pass over chalk, the effervescence produced between -the chalk and the acid will be so considerable -as to burn their legs. It has been said that -a bee cannot kill an ant, when bitten; but that -the bee instead of making resistance, flies away -and carries the ant with it.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">M. Reaumur</span> was of opinion that ants were -not to be reckoned among the enemies of bees; -and he relates an instance of their living as very -close neighbours, yet in perfect harmony. The -ants established themselves between the glass -panes of his bee-box and the wooden shutters -which covered them; and as a similar circumstance -occurred to <span class="smcap">Bonnet</span>, and in other of -Reaumur’s hives also, it seems probable that the -ants took up their quarters in this situation for -the sake of the equable warmth that the bees -would impart to their eggs. “Ants were without -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">- 206 -</a></span> -the hive,” says Reaumur, “and bees within; -a single glass only separating two nations, so different -in manners, in customs, and genius. The -bees were abundantly provided with a dainty of -which ants are exceedingly fond, I mean honey. -The ants had just reason to be apprehensive that -the bees would be uneasy, and jealous to preserve -so precious a treasure. Nevertheless the utmost -harmony and concord prevailed between the two -nations. Not a single ant was tempted to enter -the hive, how strongly soever she might be invited -by the fragrance of the honey; nor did any bee -disturb the ants, though superior to them in -power; the several individuals, on each side, -went in and out peaceably; they would meet in -the way without teazing or molesting one another: -respect on one side, and complacency on the other, -were the foundation of this peace.”—Nat. History -of Bees, p. 352.</p> - -<p>The destruction of <i>queen wasps</i> and <i>queen hornets</i> -in the spring, and of wasps’ and hornets’ nests in the -summer, will prove the best security against those -formidable enemies. None but queen wasps and -queen hornets appear in the spring. Everyone which -is then annihilated would probably have been the -founder of a kindred colony, and every colony of -wasps at a moderate computation may be calculated -to produce at least 30,000 in a season. These destroyers -may often be watched to their homes and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">- 207 -</a></span> -exterminated in the night, by brimstone, gunpowder, -or boiling water.</p> - -<p>The wooden guards invented by Espinasse, or -the tin guards of Huish, will be very useful in -case of a formidable attack, and had better be -made use of if an assault be apprehended from -these predatory insects.</p> - -<p>Powder and shot are the only protectors from -the visits of <i>birds</i>.</p> - -<p>The exclusion of <i>poultry</i> must be left to the -ingenuity of the apiarian.</p> - -<p>In an ungenial autumn, it is not uncommon for -<i>bees that are ill-managed and not properly fed, to -plunder the hoards of their own species</i>, and bees -that have thus acquired predatory habits, become -great annoyers of industrious and well-fed colonies; -they are known by the name of corsair -bees. On these occasions spies are said to be -sent our to ascertain the respective strengths of -neighbouring colonies, and to select the weakest -for attack. <i>They make similar attacks upon the -nests of humble-bees, as well as upon the bees -themselves</i>; in the former case they will carry off -almost the whole of the stores that have been -collected, unrepulsed by its proprietors; and in -the latter case, says <span class="smcap">Huber</span>, “the humble-bee, -accustomed to such exactions, yields up its honey, -and resumes its flight.” In both cases it renews -its labour in the fields, and repairs with its surplus -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">- 208 -</a></span> -treasure to its usual asylum, and that even after -repeated robberies. <span class="smcap">Mr. Hubbard</span> says that he -has known repeated instances of weak stocks -being expelled from their hives by strong ones. -<i>The best remedies</i> for this evil are <i>the contraction -of the entrances</i>, as for guarding against wasps, <i>or -a change in the situation of the hives.</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Dr. Darwin</span> in his <i>Phytologia</i> has related an -instance of a besieged hive being removed to a -distant and more easterly part of the same garden: -the assailants in this case did not follow, and the -bees resumed their usual occupations. Removal -to a still greater distance would seem to promise -more certain relief. In order to raise their courage -above its natural height when thus attacked, -<span class="smcap">Schirach</span> <i>recommends mixing a little wine or -brandy with honey, and presenting it to the bees -that are besieged</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Huber</span> has called the attention of Naturalists -to what he designated <i>as a new enemy of bees</i>, the -<i>Sphinx Atropos</i> or <i>Death’s-head Hawk-moth</i>, to -which his attention seems to have been first directed -in 1804. This gigantic moth, which derives -its name from having upon its back a mark -somewhat resembling a death’s head, has, from -this cause together with its size, (which at first -caused it to be mistaken for a bat,) produced -great alarm amongst the people of some countries, -being regarded by them as the harbinger of some -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">- 209 -</a></span> -calamity. <span class="smcap">Kuhn</span> speaks of its having been noticed -in the apiaries of some monks at the close -of the last century, as well as in the bee-houses -of other persons: and <span class="smcap">Campbell</span>, in his <i>Travels</i>, -mentions it as plundering the wild bees in <i>Africa</i> -of their honey. This moth makes its appearance -towards the close of summer: it has the -faculty of emitting a shrill mournful cry, which, -when threatened by the vengeance of the bees, has -the power of disarming their fury. It operates -upon them like the voice of their queen, and thus -enables the moth to commit the greatest ravages -in the hives, with perfect impunity. Huber ascertained -that it could not produce the same effect -upon humble-bees; for whenever <i>their</i> nests are -entered by one of these insects, it is immediately -attacked and driven out. One that Huber introduced -into a nest of humble-bees was actually -stung to death by them, but not till many wounds -had been inflicted upon its most sensible part, the -belly. On dissecting one of these moths, he found -a table-spoonful of pure honey in its abdomen. -The proceedings of bees, when attacked by the -<i>Sphinx Atropos</i>, as detailed in the Chapter on -<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">Instincts</a>, will suggest to the apiarian the best plan -to be adopted, whenever this formidable insect -shall invade their territories.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">- 210 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">EXOTIC BEES.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">B</span>ees</span> are, in all probability, the most universal -of all animals; and notwithstanding their impatience -of cold, they seem adapted to live in all -climates. They are accordingly to be met with -in every quarter of the globe, and in every quarter -they seem to flourish, if duly attended to.</p> - -<p><i>In all tropical climates there are little black bees -without stings.</i> Those of Guadaloupe are only -half the size of those in Europe, and are rounder -in their form. They build in hollow trees, or in -the cavities of rocks by the sea-side, where they -lay up their honey in cells about the size and -shape of a pigeon’s egg; these cells are of a -black or deep violet colour, and joined together, -so as to leave no space between them; they hang -in clusters almost like a bunch of grapes; each -cell somewhat resembles a small bottle or bladder; -when filled with honey the cell is closed up.</p> - -<p>The honey collected by these bees is said not -to be so unpalatable nor so surfeiting as that of -Europe. By unpalatable I conceive the writers -merely to mean, that it has less of that peculiar -flavour which European honey possesses. A -writer in the 15th volume of the Philosophical -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">- 211 -</a></span> -Transactions, states that their honey is always in -a fluid state, and as clear as rock water, forming -an agreeable beverage, which taken on an empty -stomach in the quantity of about half a pint, acts -medicinally in about two hours, but not so when -taken with the meals.</p> - -<p>There is a species of bees in Guiana which -gather very delicious honey, and have no stings. -These also construct their combs in a different -manner from the hive-bee of our hemisphere. -According to Huber’s translator, <i>there are bees -in India that construct under the boughs of a tree -a single comb of very large dimensions</i>. The -most interesting account of exotic bees that I -have met with, is in Mr. Basil Hall’s highly instructive -and entertaining Journal written on the -coasts of Chili, Peru and Mexico, in 1820, -1, and --2, of which I shall here give a transcript.</p> - -<p>“From the Plaza, we went to a house where -a bee-hive of the Country was opened in our -presence. The bees, the honey-comb, and the -hive, differ essentially from those in England. -The hive is generally made out of a log of wood -from two to three feet long and eight or ten -inches in diameter, hollowed out, and closed at -the ends by circular doors, cemented closely to -the wood, but capable of being removed at pleasure.</p> - -<p>“Some persons use cylindrical hives, made of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">- 212 -</a></span> -earthenware, instead of the clumsy apparatus of -wood; these are relieved by raised figures and -circular rings, so as to form rather handsome ornaments -in the verandah of a house, where they -are suspended by cords from the roof, in the -same manner that the wooden ones in the village -are hung to the eaves of the cottage. On one side -of the hive, half-way between the ends, there is -a small hole made, just large enough for a loaded -bee to enter, and shaded by a projection to prevent -the rain from trickling in. In this hole, -generally representing the mouth of a man, or -some monster, the head of which is moulded in -the clay of the hive, a bee is constantly stationed, -whose office is no sinecure<a name="FNanchor_10" id="FNanchor_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10" class="fnanchor">[J]</a>, for the hole is so -small, he has to draw back every time a bee -wishes to enter or to leave the hive. A gentleman -told me that the experiment had been made, by -marking the sentinel; when it was observed that -the same bee continued at his post a whole day.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_10" id="Footnote_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10"><span class="label">[J]</span></a> If the Mexican bees enter the hives with as much rapidity -and in as great numbers as Reaumur states they do -in this part of the world, it would indeed be no sinecure. -He observes that the population of a hive amounts to 18,000, -and that a hundred enter in a minute; if as many go out -in the same time, I think the sentinel must rather stand on -one side of the entrance than within it.</p></div> - -<p>“When it is ascertained by the weight that the -hive is full, the end pieces are removed, and the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">- 213 -</a></span> -honey withdrawn. The hive we saw opened was -only partly filled, which enabled us to see the -œconomy of the interior to more advantage. The -honey is not contained in the elegant hexagonal cells -of our hives, but in wax bags, not quite so large as -an egg. These bags or bladders are hung round -the sides of the hive, and appear about half full, -the quantity being probably just as great as the -strength of the wax will bear without tearing. Those -near the bottom being better supported, are more -filled than the upper ones. In the centre of the -lower part of the hive, we observed an irregular-shaped -mass of comb furnished with cells, like those -of our bees, all containing young ones, in such -an advanced state that when we broke the comb -and let them out, they flew merrily away. During -this examination of the hive, the comb and the -honey were taken out, and the bees disturbed in -every way; but they never stung us, though our -faces and hands were covered with them. It is -said, however, that there is a bee in the country -which does sting; but the kind we saw seem to -have neither the power nor the inclination, for -they certainly did not hurt us; and our friends -said they were always ‘muy manso,’ very tame, -and never stung any one. The honey gave out -a rich aromatic perfume, and tasted differently -from ours, but possessed an agreeable flavour.”</p> - -<p>From the periodicals of the last year, I have -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">- 214 -</a></span> -observed that there has been an importation of -the stingless bees into this country. I doubt the -success of their establishment here, as the fruits of -their labours may very soon become the prey of -wasps and corsair bees, and even of the hive-bees -which, in a dearth of honey or when from a paucity -of numbers a hive is weakly defended, will -commit depredations upon one another. The -stingless bees having no weapon of defence which -enables them to cope with armed assailants must -soon be exterminated. In their native clime, where -there is an abundance of sweets, no temptations -to predatory attack may occur; but in our hemisphere, -as Buffon has observed, there are hundreds -of lazy creatures, fond of honey and disliking -labour, that would, but for the weapons of defence -possessed by our bees, invade their hives and -carry off the treasures.</p> - -<p>Honey-bees do not appear to have been among -the native productions of North America, though -they have now become general throughout that -continent. When established there, they extended -themselves somewhat in advance of the white -population; in consequence of which they were -called by the native Indians, the white man’s -flies, and were regarded as indicating the approach -of European settlements.—Jefferson’s Virginia.</p> - -<p>An elegant modern writer has observed upon -this subject, that “a few years ago the hum of a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">- 215 -</a></span> -bee had never been heard on the western side of -Alleghany Mountains: but that a violent hurricane -having carried several swarms over that -lofty ridge, they found there a new unexhausted -country, singularly favourable to their propagation, -where they have multiplied, till the whole -of those boundless savannahs and plains have been -colonized by these indefatigable emigrants.”</p> - -<p>From what I have said above, it would seem -that the bees of all tropical climates store their -honey in cells or bags of large dimensions; but -from Mr. Basil Hall’s account it appears that the -bees of South America build small cells also, resembling -those of our hive-bees; and in all probability -this is the case with those of other hot -climates, and that these small cells are merely -used as receptacles for the young brood.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">- 216 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">SEPARATION OF WAX AND HONEY.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">A</span>fter</span> deprivation, the box or hive containing -the combs should be kept in a warm room, till -it is convenient to drain it of its contents, as -the more fluid the honey, the sooner and the -more completely will it run off; this is of course -a reason for not deferring the draining longer than -can be avoided.</p> - -<p>The combs should be separated from the boxes -or hives with the broad spatula and the double-edged -instrument recommended in chapter XI. -and placed afterwards on a clean dish. The -waxen covers, on both sides of the scaled combs, -should be sliced off, when by placing them on a -hair sieve the honey will run through tolerably -fine, and may be caught in an earthen pan. For -prime purposes the purest combs should be -selected, and their honey passed through a separate -sieve. Mr. Isaac recommends letting this -fine honey drop through the sieve into a silk sarse, -such as is used by the apothecary for sifting fine -powders, and from the sarse into an earthen -pan; this would enable the apiarian to obtain -his honey in a more depurated state. The sarse -must be first wetted, or the honey will not run -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">- 217 -</a></span> -through it. If the weather be cool, this business -should be done in a room where there is a fire.</p> - -<p>The ordinary combs may be chopped up, or -broken down with the hands, and together with -the refuse combs after draining, may be thrown -into as much clear water as will cause the wax to -swim: the whole may remain in this state for some -days to dissolve all the honey for making common -mead; or the combs may be spread out upon -broad dishes, and set before the bees in an evening, -as also the utensils which have been employed -during the process, first strewing them over with -short straws, to prevent the bees from smearing -their wings. The former is the best mode of disposing -of the refuse combs and utensils, as the -latter is apt to produce quarrelling and robberies.</p> - -<p>The combs having been cleared as completely -as possible, the finest should be boiled in water -enough to float them, till they are thoroughly -melted: the melted mass should be poured into a -canvass bag, made in the form of a jelly bag, with -a draw tape or string at the top, and then be suspended -over a tub or pan of cold water. The -strings of the bag being tightly drawn, the expression -may be effected in various ways. Some -press the bag between two strong round sticks, -tied or strapped together at their ends, so as to -resemble a pair of nut-crackers, with which two -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">- 218 -</a></span> -persons may by repeatedly stripping down the -sides of the bag, express the whole of the wax. -Others express it by making an inclined plane of -a board about four feet long, placing one end of -it in the tub or pan of water, and the other against -the breast of the assistant, who puts the bag on -the board and passes a round stick firmly down -it, as long as the wax will run. A screw press, -made hot, would of course answer the purpose -better than either of the above modes.</p> - -<p>The crumbled combs might be put over the -fire, in a steam kettle, with water under it, and -the wax which runs through might be afterwards -melted again and passed through the bag. The -new combs will melt almost entirely; but the old -ones, owing to their cells having received so many -linings, will preserve their form, the wax running -from them but in small quantities.</p> - -<p>The vessel used for melting the wax should -be capable of containing a good deal more than -is put into it, as the contents may boil up suddenly, -and occasion loss and inconvenience as well -as danger. The wax having been separated -from the water in which it was melted, should -be remelted with just water enough to prevent -burning; and having been well skimmed, may be -poured into proper moulds for forming cakes, -the vessels being first rinsed with cold water to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">- 219 -</a></span> -prevent the wax from adhering to them. The -melted wax should be placed near the fire and -covered over, to cool gradually, or the cakes will -be liable to crack. If it be desirable to have the -wax in a very pure state, it may be boiled over -and over again with fresh water.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">- 220 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">WAX.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">W</span>ax</span> is a solid compact unctuous substance, -generally of a yellow colour. It is secreted by -animals and vegetables, but the vegetable secretion -of it is often combined with resin.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bees-wax</span> may be said to be a concrete animal -oil, holding the same relation to the fixed oils that -resin does to the essential oils. It is secreted by -certain small sacklets on the body of the bee, as -occasion requires, for constructing the combs in -which the family provision and the young brood -are deposited; the wax of commerce is procured -by melting down these combs, in the manner -already described.</p> - -<p><i>Prime wax</i> is of a bright yellow colour and an -agreeable odour, somewhat like that of honey. -The best is procured from combs which have -been either wholly unoccupied, or occupied by -nothing but honey. When first secreted, it is -white, semitransparent, and very fragile: it afterwards -becomes stronger, and assumes more or -less of a yellow hue. This deepening of colour -is owing, partly, to its being covered with a -yellowish varnish by the bees, (for an account of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">- 221 -</a></span> -which see “Architecture” and “Propolis,”) and -is partly the effect of age.</p> - -<p>Independently of its colour, the goodness of -wax may also be estimated by the passing of the -thumb nail forcibly over its surface: if good, the -nail will pass with a kind of jerk; but if no obstruction -be felt, the wax may be looked upon as -adulterated with suet, or some similar substance.</p> - -<p>The average <i>quantity yielded by a common hive</i>, -is about half a pound of wax to fifteen pounds of -honey; the quantity of both may be considerably -increased by storifying.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">White wax</span> is nothing more than the yellow -wax that has been exposed in thin flakes or -shreds to the action of the sun and air. There -is an apparatus for melting and reducing the wax -into shreds or ribbands, but the process of conversion, -under any circumstances, is tedious and -dependent on the weather. “The following,” -says Mr. Parkes in his Chemical Essays, “is the -usual process, as it is conducted in England. -Common bees-wax is melted upon hot water; and -when in a fluid state, it is laded out of the copper, -together with a part of the water, into a wooden -vessel; and in this it is allowed to remain a few -hours, for the impurities to subside from it. The -purified wax is then put, while still hot, into a -cullender full of holes, through which it runs, and -falls upon a revolving metallic roller, which dips -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">- 222 -</a></span> -into cold water contained in a vessel placed -underneath. As the melted wax runs through the -cullender upon the revolving roller, the motion of -the cylinder forms it into thin shavings, which -cool as they come in contact with the water, and -fall in an accumulated heap into the water below. -These shavings of wax, being now in a suitable -form for absorbing oxygen, are taken out of the -tub, and exposed in a field to the action of the -atmosphere, till they become sufficiently white.”</p> - -<p>Bees-wax forms <i>a considerable article of commerce</i>, -and large quantities of it are annually imported -into this country from the Baltic, the -Levant, the Barbary Coast, and North America. -In some parts of Europe and America wax is very -extensively employed in the religious ceremonies -of the inhabitants. Humboldt informs us that -upwards of 80,000 pounds worth is annually imported -from Cuba to New Spain, and that the -total export from that island in 1803 was worth -upwards of 130,000<i>l.</i> By far the greater part of -this wax is the produce of the hive-bee, though -no inconsiderable quantity is procured also from -various species of wild bees, as well as from -certain trees which I shall notice presently.</p> - -<p>Upon this subject a modern writer, after lamenting -the increasing neglect of bee-culture in -this country, has not hesitated to use the following -contemptuous, though somewhat extravagant, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">- 223 -</a></span> -language. “There is hardly bees-wax enough -produced in England to answer the demand for -lip-salve alone; but importation from America -supplies all our wants, for the quantity obtained -in that country is annually increasing.” “Little -thinks the ball-room beauty, when the tapers are -almost burnt out, that the wax by whose light her -charms have been exalted was once hidden in -the bells and cups of innumerable flowers, shedding -perfume over the silent valleys of the Susquehanna, -or nodding at their own reflected colours -in the waters of the Potomac and Delaware.”</p> - -<p>The uses of wax in making candles, ointments, -&c. are well known.</p> - -<p>According to Buffon, the bees-wax of tropical -climates is too soft for any but medicinal purposes.</p> - -<p>There is a species of <i>wax</i>, which is generally regarded -as <i>of vegetable origin</i>, and which is afforded -by various trees, plants and fruits. The light down -which silvers over the surface of prunes and other -stone fruits, has been shown by M. Proust to be -wax, the leaves and stem of the <i>Ceroxylon</i> also, -afford it in considerable quantity, if bruised and -boiled in water; but the trees which afford it in -greatest abundance, are the <i>Myrica cerifera angustifolia</i> -or wax-tree of Louisiana, and the <i>Myrica -cerifera latifolia</i> of Pennsylvania, Carolina, and -Virginia. The latter is now naturalized in France: -it flourishes also in the dry lands of Prussia, and, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">- 224 -</a></span> -from the productiveness of its berries, it seems -surprising that its culture is not more general.</p> - -<p>The mode in which this <i>myrtle wax</i> is obtained -is as follows. Towards the end of autumn the -natives gather the ripe berries, boil them in water, -skim off the wax which rises, strain it off from its -impurities, and set it to drain, after which, they -remelt and form it into masses. Four pounds of -berries yield about one pound of wax.</p> - -<p>From the wax thus procured, they make soap -and candles. The soap manufactured from it is -said to be excellent, and to wash linen perfectly -white; the candles afford a good light, without -smoke or guttering; their perfume is highly -agreeable, not only during the time that they are -burning, but for a considerable time afterwards.</p> - -<p>Mr. Sparrman suspects that myrtle wax is deposited -upon the berries by insects, and Du Valde -has given an account of a white wax made by -small insects, round the branches of a tree in -China, in great quantity, which is there collected -for medical and economical purposes. (Description -of China, vol. i. page 230.) Myrtle wax -therefore may not be a vegetable product.</p> - -<p>According to the experiments of M. Cadet and -Dr. Bostock, this <i>myrtle wax differs in some respects -from, bees-wax</i>. It differs from it in colour, -different specimens of it assuming different shades -of yellowish green: its smell is also different; -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">- 225 -</a></span> -myrtle wax, when fresh, emitting a fragrant balsamic -odour. It has in part the tenacity without -the unctuosity of bees-wax, and somewhat of the -brittleness of resin. Its specific gravity is greater, -insomuch that it sinks in water, whereas bees-wax -floats upon it; and it is not so easily bleached to -form white wax.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Analysis of Wax.</i></p> - -<table style="width: 10em;" summary="wax components"> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Carbon</td> - <td class="tdr">81,79</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Oxygen</td> - <td class="tdr">5,54</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Hydrogen</td> - <td class="tdr">12,67</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p>“The formation of resin and wax has been -explained thus:—That when a volatile or a fixed -oil is expelled out of plants, and has its surface -exposed to the air, the first becomes a resin by -losing hydrogen, the second a wax by absorbing -oxygen.”—Parkes’s Chemical Catechism, p. 244, -11th edit.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">- 226 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">HONEY.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">H</span>oney</span> is a well known, sweet, tenacious, substance, -which in fine weather is continually secreting -in the nectaries of flowers, chiefly from -certain vesicles or glands situated near the basis -of every petal, from whence it is collected by bees -and other insects. The domestic honey-bees -consume a portion of this honey for food, at or -near the time of gathering; but the principal part -is regurgitated and poured into the cells of the -hive, for the use of the community in winter:—so -very abundant are these collections, in favourable -seasons, as to afford to the apiarian an extensive -share of them, without distressing the provident -hoarders. Mr. Wildman states that in the year -1789, he purchased a glass filled with exceedingly -fine honey-combs, weighing 63lbs., which had been -collected within a month, and that the hive which -it had surmounted still contained a full supply -for the winter’s consumption of the bees. This -however was an unusual quantity; a hive or box, -of the dimensions recommended in this work, may -be considered as well stocked when it yields from -30 to 40lbs. of honey.</p> - -<p>The honey intended for early use, and for the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">- 227 -</a></span> -nursing-bees and drones, is deposited in cells -which are allowed to remain open, and is probably -of an inferior sort; whilst the finest honey, which -is laid up in store for winter, is placed in the -most inaccessible parts of the hive, and closed in -the cells with waxen lids.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“There cluster’d now clear wells of nectar glow,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Like amber drops that sparkle in the Po,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And now (so quick the change) ere one short moon<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Shrinks with waned crescent mid the blaze of noon.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">All veil’d from view, these amber drops are lost.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And each clear well with waxen crown embost.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>In the Philosophical Transactions for 1792, -Mr. Hunter has stated, that whatever time the -contents of the honey-bags may be retained, they -still remain pure and unaltered by the digestive -process. Mr. Polhill, a gentleman to whom the -public are indebted for several articles in Rees’s -Cyclopædia appertaining to bees, is also of this -opinion. Messrs. Kirby and Spence do not admit -this statement: as the nectar of flowers is not -of so thick a consistence as honey, they think <i>it -must undergo some change in the stomach of the -bee</i>. This opinion is strengthened by what has been -stated by Reaumur: he observed that if there was -a deficiency of flowers, at the season of honey-gathering, -and the bees were furnished with sugar, -they filled their cells with honey, differing in no -other respect from honey collected in the usual -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">- 228 -</a></span> -way, but in its possessing a somewhat higher -flavour and in its never -candying, nor even losing its fluidity by -long keeping. The same may be observed when they -imbibe the juices of sweet fruits, for bees do not -confine themselves solely to flowers and honey-dewed -leaves; they will sometimes very greedily -absorb the juice of raspberries for instance, and -thus spoil them for the table; they also visit in -crowds the vats of the cider and wine maker.</p> - -<p>Reaumur has likewise remarked, that <i>in each -honey-cell there is a cream-like layer or covering, -of a thicker consistence than the honey itself</i>, which -apparently serves to retain the more liquid collections -that may from time to time be introduced -under it. Messrs. Kirby and Spence say, that if -honey were the unaltered nectar of flowers, it -would be difficult to conceive how this cream -could be collected in proper proportions. This -observation is made, in consequence of their presuming -that some of this cream-like covering is -conveyed into the cells with each deposition of -fresh honey; and it has been supposed that this -cream was the last portion disgorged. According -to an article in Rees’s Cyclopædia, probably written -by Mr. Polhill, this cream-like matter is formed -at the very first, and every addition of honey is -deposited beneath it. The bee, entering into the -cell as deeply as possible, puts forward its anterior -pair of legs, and with them pierces a hole through -the crust or cream: while this hole is kept open -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">- 229 -</a></span> -by the feet, the bee disgorges the honey in large -drops from its mouth; these, falling into the hole, -mix with the mass below: the bee, before it flies -off, new-models the crust, and closes up the hole. -This mode of proceeding is regularly adopted by -every bee that contributes to the general store.</p> - -<p>The power of <i>regurgitation</i> in the bee is very -remarkable: its alimentary organs, like those of -the pigeon, besides being subservient to the purpose -of nutriment, afford it a temporary storeroom -or reservoir. Ruminating animals may be -considered as regurgitating animals, though in -them the operation is performed for different purposes. -In some it is exercised for the purpose -of digesting the food, in others for feeding the -young; but in bees its use is to enable them to -disburden themselves of the honey which they -gather for the winter’s store of the community.</p> - -<p><i>The finest flavoured</i> and most delicate <i>honey</i> is -that which <i>is collected from aromatic plants</i>, and -has been stored in clean new cells: it has been -usually called <i>virgin-honey</i>, as though it were -elaborated by a fresh swarm of bees; but this -is not essential to the perfection of honey, for, -provided the cells in which it is deposited have -never contained either brood or farina, it is not -material whether it have been collected by swarms -or by old stocks; the season and the flowers -having been the same, the quality of the honey -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">- 230 -</a></span> -will in both cases be alike. F. Lamberti asserts, -that the best honey in the world is produced in -Pontus, and that its superiority is attributable to -the great quantity of balm growing there. In -this quarter of the world, the <i>Narbonne honey</i> is -regarded as the finest, owing to the rosemary -which abounds in the neighbourhood of Narbonne. -“The honey, for which <i>Narbonne</i> is so deservedly -celebrated, is every year diminishing. Bees have -ceased to be an object of attention to the peasantry; -they now devote their time to the vineyards, -and neglect the bees. The flowers of the wild -plants, in the neighbourhood of Narbonne, are -highly aromatic, and give the flavour which is -peculiar to its honey: this peculiarity is attributed -exclusively to the wild rosemary, <i>Rosmarinus -officinalis</i>.” (Duppa’s Miscellaneous Observations -and Opinions on the Continent. 1825.) Attempts -are said to have been made to imitate Narbonne -honey, by adding to other honey an infusion of -rosemary flowers.</p> - -<p>Of the power which some flowers possess of imparting -deleterious qualities to their honey, I have -already spoken in the chapter on Pasturage. I will -here add, however, what has been said of the appearance -of this <i>pernicious</i> kind of <i>honey</i>. It is -usually distinguished from what is innocent, by -its crimson or reddish brown colour, its bitter -flavour, and thicker consistence; but in Florida -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">- 231 -</a></span> -and Carolina it is so similar, in all respects, to -innocent honey, that the hunters depend upon -experience only, and, knowing that bad honey -soon shows its effects, they at first eat very sparingly. -The converse of this would appear in the -“blood-red honey” found by Mr. Bruce at Dixan -in Abyssinia, to which he ascribes no evil properties. -(Travels to the Nile, vol. v.) Linnæus informs -us, that in Sweden, the honey of autumn is -principally gathered from the flowers of the <i>Erica</i> -or Heath, and that it has a reddish cast. The -honey of our native heaths is also of the same -colour. Dr. Barton has observed that during his -residence at Edinburgh, the Highland honey was -often of a dirty brownish colour, which was supposed -to be given to it by the “blooming hather,” -as Burns calls it: the people of Edinburgh, however, -though great consumers of it, never complain -of any ill effects from it. It produced upon the -Doctor a soporific effect. The most innocent -honey will often disagree with those who take it -in large quantities, or who have irritable bowels; -usually, in such cases, it produces purging, and -sometimes griping pain. The mischievous qualities -of honey have been said to be destroyed by -boiling and straining, or even by long keeping -only; yet when made into metheglin, it has -been found as deleterious as ever.</p> - -<p><i>The quality of honey varies with the time of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">- 232 -</a></span> -gathering</i>, and that even though the whole season -may have been favourable. The collection at -the commencement of summer is regarded as the -prime honey of the year, the flowers being then -most abundant, and in the full glow of health; and -that which is collected in spring is superior to the -gleanings of autumn.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Huber</span> states that <i>the secretion of honey and the -formation of wax are singularly promoted by electricity</i>: -hence the works may always be observed -to advance rapidly when there is a southerly -wind, a moist warm air, and an impending storm; -whereas the secretion is impeded, and sometimes -suspended, by long protracted droughts, cold rains, -and a northerly wind.</p> - -<p><i>Prime honey</i> is of a whitish colour, an agreeable -smell, a pleasant taste, and a thick consistence. -When taken from the combs it is in a fluid state, -but gradually thickens by age, and in cold weather, -if genuine, it becomes firm and solid. In England, -it has seldom, if ever, been known to assume this -solid state while in the hives; and even out of -them, if it remain in the combs, it will preserve its -clearness, purity and fine flavour, for at least a -year. The honey of tropical climates is always -in a fluid state. <i>Vide</i> chapter on <a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">Exotic Bees</a>.</p> - -<p><i>Much of the fine flavour of honey will depend -upon the manner of its separation from the comb.</i> -That will be the most delicate which flows spontaneously -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">- 233 -</a></span> -from the purest and whitest combs; the -next in excellence will be that which is expressed -without heat; and the coarsest, that which is obtained -by the aid of heat and pressure.</p> - -<p>Care should be taken in the selection of <i>the -vessels used for storing honey;</i> the most appropriate -are <i>jars of stone ware</i>, called Bristol ware. The -principal <i>constituents of sugar and honey</i> are the -same; viz. hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. Besides -these their common elements, honey contains mucilage -and extractive matter, and also an excess of -oxygen: in plain English, honey possesses a greater -proportion of acid than is contained in sugar, and -in a state more capable of acting upon those -bodies with which it comes in contact. From -this the reader will perceive my reason for recommending -stone jars for its preservation: the acid -of the honey acting upon the lead with which every -other kind of earthenware is glazed, causes the -honey to receive an impregnation from it, which -may prove injurious to those whose constitutions -are delicate: the stone ware, being glazed with -common salt, cannot communicate any injurious -property to the honey which is stored in it. <i>Honey -should be kept in a cool and dry situation</i>, as -warmth promotes fermentation and generates a -sensible acidity. The circumstance of honey, -when separated from the combs and put into jars, -being disposed to ferment in a temperature much -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">- 234 -</a></span> -below the usual heat of a hive, is calculated to -excite our admiration of the instinctive intelligence -of the bee, which leads it to distribute its treasure -in small cells and to seal them closely over, -whereby the honey can be preserved from fermentation -for a long period, even in a high temperature. -<span class="smcap">Proust</span> <i>says that granulated honey is capable -of being separated into two parts</i>, one of -which is liquid, the other dry and not deliquescent, -crystallizable in its manner and less saccharine than -sugar. <i>The Jews of Moldavia and the Ukraine -prepare from honey a sort of sugar</i> which is solid -and as white as snow, which they send to the -distilleries at Dantzic. They expose the honey -to frost for three weeks, in some place where -neither sun nor snow can reach it, and in a vessel -which is a bad conductor of caloric, by which -process the honey, without being congealed, becomes -clear and hard like sugar.</p> - -<p>Prior to the discovery of sugar, honey must -have been an article of great utility; and notwithstanding -that discovery, if we may judge from the -quantity imported into this country, and the price -at which it sells when of fine quality, it may still -be regarded as a commodity of great importance, -and worthy of more attention from our rural -population than it in general obtains. <i>In the -Ukraine, some of the peasants have four or five -hundred hives each, and find their bees more profitable -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">- 235 -</a></span> -than their corn.</i> This is a number however -which I should think would overstock most districts, -and which could only be supported naturally -by having recourse to transportation. This seems -to be evinced by the inhabitants of Egypt, France, -Savoy, Piedmont and other places availing themselves -of that practice, as already stated.</p> - -<p>The most productive parts of this kingdom, in -all probability, are the borders of Cambridgeshire, -Hertfordshire, and part of Hampshire, which -abounding in heaths, commons and woods, afford -so much pabulum for bees, as to enable some of -the farmers to have from 100 to 150 stocks of -them, the largest number that I have ever heard -of in this kingdom.</p> - -<p>On the subject of <i>overstocking</i>, Mr. Espinasse -says that few parts of England which he has -visited afford flowers in sufficient profusion and -of sufficient variety to support numerous colonies. -“In the village,” says he, “where my house is -situated, many persons, induced by my example, -procured bees; they were too numerous for what -was to feed them; more than one half of them -died in the ensuing winter, and nearly one-third -of my own were with difficulty saved by feeding.” -The proprietor of bees may know whether or -not his situation is overstocked, if he will attend -to the produce of his apiary for several years -together.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">- 236 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">MEAD.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">P</span>rior</span> to the introduction of agriculture into Britain, -mead was the principal cordial beverage of -its inhabitants. In other northern nations also -it was formerly in high estimation. This must -have proceeded, either from their unpampered -simplicity of taste, or from their having a better -method of making their mead than has been -handed down to posterity; for certainly in the -present day it is a liquor seldom heard of, and -still seldomer made; and when made, holding a -very humble rank among our imperfect vinous -productions. It however continued in favour -long after the introduction of malt liquor, and -the northern inhabitants of Europe drank it generally -until very modern times. To show how highly -it was formerly esteemed in this country, I will -give an extract from an ancient law of the principality -of Wales, where “the praises of it, accompanied -by the lyre, resounded through the spacious -halls of her princes.” “There are three things -in Court which must be communicated to the -king, before they are made known to any other -person.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">- 237 -</a></span></p> - -<p>“1st, Every sentence of the judge;</p> - -<p>2nd, Every new song; and</p> - -<p>3rd, Every cask of Mead.”</p> - -<p>Mead-making appears to have been regarded -by our forefathers as a high and important avocation; -at the courts of the Princes of Wales, -the mead-maker was the eleventh person in dignity, -and took place of the physician. We read -in the English History, that Ethelstan a subordinate -king of Kent, in the tenth century, on -paying a visit to his relation Ethelfleda felt very -much delighted that there was no deficiency of -mead. According to the custom at royal feasts, -it was served up in cut horns and other vessels of -various sizes. About the same period, it was -customary to allow the monks a sextareum (about -a pint) of mead between six of them at dinner, -and half the quantity at supper.</p> - -<p>It was probably the liquor called by Ossian, -the joy and strength of shells, with which his -heroes were so much delighted; the Caledonian -drinking-vessels having consisted of large shells, -which are still used by their posterity in some -parts of the Highlands. Mention is sometimes -made also of the Feast of Shells.</p> - -<p>Mead was the ideal nectar of the Scandinavian -nations, which they expected to quaff in heaven out -of the skulls of their enemies; and, as may reasonably -be supposed, the liquor which they exalted -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">- 238 -</a></span> -thus highly in their <i>imaginary celestial banquets</i>, -was not forgotten at those which they <i>really</i> indulged -in <i>upon earth</i>. Hence may be inferred -the great attention which must have been paid -to the culture of the bee in those days, or there -could not have been an adequate supply of honey -for the production of mead, to satisfy the demand -of such thirsty tribes.</p> - -<p>The mythology of Scandinavia (the religion of -our Gothic ancestors) was imparted by Sigge or -Odin, a chieftain who migrated from Scythia with -the whole of his tribe, and subdued either by arms -or arts the northern parts of Europe. From him -descended Alaric and Attila. In the singular -paradise which Odin sketched for his followers, -the principal pleasure was to be derived from war -and carnage; after the daily enjoyment of which, -they were to sit down to a feast of boar’s flesh -and mead. The mead was to be handed to them -in the skulls of their enemies, by virgins somewhat -resembling the houri of the Mahometan paradise, -and plentiful draughts were to be taken, -until intoxication should crown their felicity. -Hence the poet <span class="smcap">Penrose</span> thus commences his -“Carousal of Odin.”</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Fill the honey’d bev’rage high,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Fill the skulls, ’tis Odin’s cry!<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Heard ye not the powerful call,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Thundering through the vaulted hall?<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">- 239 -</a></span> -<span class="i4">Fill the meath and spread the board,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Vassals of the grisly lord!—<br /></span> -<span class="i1">The feast begins, the skull goes round<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Laughter shouts—the shouts resound!”<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>Hence likewise, in an ode by <span class="smcap">Mr. Stirling</span>, we -find the following illustration of the northern Elysium.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">“Their banquet is the mighty chine<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Exhaustless, the stupendous boar;<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Virgins of immortal line<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Present the goblet foaming o’er:<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Of heroes’ skulls the goblet made,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">With figur’d deaths and snakes of gold inlaid.”<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>Boar’s flesh was considered by these tribes as -the highest delicacy; the celestial boar was supposed -to be daily renewed, and to afford an ample -repast for the most numerous party: a quantity -of mead also, sufficient for the intoxication of -this paradisiacal community, was imagined to be -daily supplied by a goat called Heidruna,</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Whose spacious horn would fill the bowl<br /></span> -<span class="i1">That rais’d to rapture Odin’s soul;<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And ever drinking, ever dry—<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Still the copious stream supply.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Cottle.</span></p></div> - -<p>I could not refrain from adducing these short -historical and poetical evidences of the high estimation -in which mead was held by our northern -ancestors. I trust that I shall also stand excused -for still further lengthening my preamble by entering -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">- 240 -</a></span> -upon <i>the general principles of wine-making</i>.</p> - -<p><i>The grand desiderata in wine are strength, -flavour, and pleasantness:</i>—to accomplish the first, -sugar must be converted by fermentation into -alcohol; the second depends upon the article to be -vinified, and upon the management of the process -of vinification; flavour may likewise be produced -artificially by different adjuncts: pleasantness will -principally result from the same causes, but more -especially from the liquor holding in solution a -certain quantity of unconverted sugar.</p> - -<p><i>The elements necessary to a due fermentation</i> -and to bring the process to a satisfactory issue, -<i>are sugar, extractive matter, acid of tartar</i>, and -<i>water</i>. These exist in the highest perfection and -in the best relative proportions in <i>the grape</i>: hence -the superiority of foreign wines. Whoever therefore -expects to imitate, with much effect, those -generous liquors, must supply in the process those -ingredients in which the article sought to be converted -into wine is deficient.</p> - -<p>If the native juices of fruits be deficient in sugar, -it will be impossible to convert them into a strong -wine without a proper supply of that ingredient; -and without a sufficiency of extractive matter, -which is the natural ferment, a due fermentation -could not be established; the wine would be sweet, -but not potent; <i>sweet wines being the produce of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">- 241 -</a></span> -an incomplete fermentation</i>. If the extractive -matter were in excess, the liquor would have a -tendency to the acetous fermentation, which might -also be induced by a superabundant proportion of -water.</p> - -<p><i>The result of a complete fermentation is a dry -wine;</i> to produce which, the elements must all be -nicely balanced, and the process conducted under -favourable circumstances, with respect to temperature, -tunning, stopping down, &c.</p> - -<p>Two opposite practices prevail, in the manufacture -of the same sort of wine; <i>some wine-makers -boiling the juices before fermentation, others conducting -the whole process without boiling:</i> the propriety -or impropriety of these practices depends -upon the quality of the juices to be vinified. Extractive -matter is partially coagulable by heat; -boiling therefore, by causing this matter to separate -and to be deposited, tends to the production -of a sweet wine. The extractive matter may -also be precipitated by sulphuric acid gas, (burning -in the cask a brimstone match as hereafter -directed,) or by sulphuric acid itself, with which -the soluble leaven forms an insoluble compound. -Hence where the extractive matter is in excess, -and where there is danger of fermentation going -on too rapidly, boiling or sulphuring will be useful -both to the wine and cider-maker, in checking or -preventing fermentation. The superfluous extract -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">- 242 -</a></span> -thrown up in the course of fermentation as -yeast, or deposited as lees, will, if remixed with -the liquor, have the effect of continuing the fermentation: -hence the utility of racking and fining, -where it is in excess; and of re-union, where it is -deficient. <i>Artificial leaven or yeast</i>, which contains -the extractive principle in great abundance, -affords a supply to those juices which are deficient -in it, and without which they will not ferment. -<i>Natural leaven</i> (i. e. <i>extractive matter</i>) is soluble -in cold water, artificial leaven is not: during fermentation, -therefore, the latter is always thrown -off; so also is the greater part of the former, if the -process be well conducted.</p> - -<p>Most of the fruits of this country abound in -<i>malic acid</i>; those that possess only a moderate -quantity of it, however, afford excellent wine with -the addition of sugar only; still better wine may -be obtained by the further addition of the acid of -tartar. Where the malic acid prevails so abundantly -as to make its neutralization desirable. -<span class="smcap">Dr. M<sup>c</sup>Culloch</span>, (to whom I am indebted for -much of the information contained in this chapter,) -recommends the coating of the insides of the fermenting -vats with a white wash of hot <i>caustic -lime</i>. I have neutralized the malic acid, by putting -into the cask, after the sensible fermentation has -been completed, about a pound of <i>egg shells</i> to -every sixty gallons of wine.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">- 243 -</a></span></p> - -<p>The acid of tartar increases the fermenting -power of fluids: half-ripe fruits possess it in -greatest abundance; hence the vivacity of champagne -and green gooseberry wine. It is most conveniently -used in the state of supertartrate of -potash or common cream of tartar: the common -rough tartar is in some respects preferable, as -its admixture of yeast assists in perfecting the -fermentation.</p> - -<p>All vegetables contain more or less of extractive -matter; those that possess little may be assisted -in their fermentation, by that process being conducted -in wooden vessels, wood supplying the -extractive principle to the liquor; the same juices -therefore which would ferment very well in wood, -would scarcely ferment at all in glass or earthenware.</p> - -<p>The extractive matter and the sugar are seldom -completely destroyed in any wines; the existence -of the former is evinced, by the skinny matter -frequently deposited upon the insides of the wine-bottles; -the latter may be detected, by a nice -palate, in the very driest of our wines; its predominance -indicates an inferior wine.</p> - -<p>From the preceding observations, my readers -have probably anticipated my opinion of <i>honey, -in wine-making</i>. I regard it merely as <i>a substitute -for sugar</i>; and to those who approve of its flavour -I recommend the following <i>directions</i>, which I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">- 244 -</a></span> -have successfully followed for several years, -having my home-made wines enriched with a -considerable portion of foreign flavour.—Dissolve -an ounce of cream of tartar in five gallons -of boiling water; pour the solution off clear upon -twenty pounds of fine honey, boil them together -and remove the scum as it rises. Towards the -end of the boiling, add an ounce of fine hops; -about ten minutes afterwards, put the liquor into -a tub to cool; when reduced to the temperature -of about 60° Fahrenheit, add a slice of bread -toasted and smeared over with a very little yeast; -the smaller the quantity the better, for <i>yeast invariably -spoils the flavour of wines</i>, and where -there is a sufficiency of extractive matter in the -ingredients employed, it should never be introduced. -The liquor should now stand, and be -stirred occasionally, till it carries a head, when it -should be tunned and the cask filled up from time -to time from the reserve, till the fermentation -has nearly subsided. It should now be bunged -down, leaving open a small peg-hole; in a few days -this may also be closed, and in about twelve -months the wine will be fit to bottle.</p> - -<p>Many makers of both wine and cider have been -unconsciously benefited from the acquisition of -tartar by their liquor; it being a frequent practice -to tun into an empty foreign wine cask, whose -incrusted sides have supplied their wine or their -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">- 245 -</a></span> -cider with a portion of that necessary ingredient -for perfect vinification.</p> - -<p>It is a practice with some to add <i>spices</i> to their -Mead during the fermentation, such as ginger, -cloves, mace, rosemary, lemon-peel, &c. This -is bad œconomy; a much smaller quantity will -communicate the required flavour if the addition -be made after the fermentation has ceased.</p> - -<p>A <i>common beverage</i> is sometimes made, by -simply boiling the refuse honey-combs in water -after extracting from them as much of the honey -as will run; this liquor will not require tartar or -yeast: it should be tunned as soon as cool, bunged -down in three or four days, and drank in a few -weeks. In some parts of Wales the refuse combs -are brewed with malt, spices, &c. and the produce -is called <i>Braggot</i>, a name derived from the old -British words <i>brag</i> and <i>gots</i>, the former signifying -<i>malt</i>, the latter <i>honey-comb</i>.</p> - -<p>A knowledge of the principles of fermentation -will enable the wine-maker to regulate its process. -Thus if a dry wine be desired, and fermentation -be suspended, it may be renewed by a restoration -of the separated leaven or the addition of fresh; -or by agitation and a remixture of the lees. It -is upon the latter principle, called “<i>feeding on the -lees</i>,” that some foreign wines are improved by -long voyages; but this treatment, so <i>serviceable -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">- 246 -</a></span> -to Madeira and other Spanish wines</i>, and also to -some of the French wines, <i>would destroy Burgundy</i>. -If there be an excess of fermentation the scientific -operator will regulate, check or suspend it, by -skimming, racking, fining. If skimming and racking -do not succeed, recourse must be had to -<i>fining</i>, which may be effected <i>by isinglass</i>, in the -proportion of about an ounce to 100 gallons. -The isinglass must be beaten, for a few days, with -a whisk in a small quantity of the wine, till completely -attenuated. This solution must then be -well stirred into the cask of wine, which in about -a week will become fine and fit for being racked -off. This fining is accomplished by the union of -the isinglass with what is called the tannin of the -wine. Fining may also be effected by <i>stumming</i>, -i. e. <i>by burning in a close vessel containing a small -part of the wine a brimstone rag</i>, at the rate of a -dram of sulphur to thirty gallons; and when consumed, -rolling the cask about for a quarter of an -hour, that the wine may absorb as much as possible -of the sulphuric acid gas. This being done, -the cask is to be filled up with the remainder of -the wine, and bunged down. In this process the -sulphuric acid or its oxygen unites with the extractive -matter or soluble leaven, which being -thereby rendered insoluble is precipitated to the -bottom, as I before observed. If wines be perfectly -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">- 247 -</a></span> -fermented, they do not require the addition -of any brandy, as a sufficiency of spirit is generated -during the process.</p> - -<p><i>The best temperature for carrying on fermentation</i> -is about 54° Fahrenheit. Its perfection depends in -some degree upon the volume of the liquor; the -larger the quantity, the longer the fermentation -will continue, and the stronger and pleasanter -will be the wine. There are however exceptions -to this rule. The peculiar excellence of champagne -would be destroyed, if its fermentation were -conducted upon a large scale: it may be made -successfully in a gallon measure. This wine is so -managed by the makers as to ferment after -bottling.</p> - -<p><i>Dry wines and fine wines</i> are much more durable -than any others; and those that would perish in -cask, <i>may be preserved many years by bottling</i>.</p> - -<p>These hints will, I hope, enable the makers of -home-made wines to conduct the process scientifically, -and to secure generally a successful issue. -Cookery books and good housewives abound in -receipts for wine-making, which are very often -fanciful and absurd, recommending the introduction -of articles which, in their very natures, -counteract the production of good wine. Hence -we are sometimes presented with such miserable -mawkish stuff, as disgraces the name of wine, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">- 248 -</a></span> -being only rendered tolerable by the brandy which -has been added to it, and which in some degree -covers the crudeness and insipidity of the compound, -and moderates its hostility to the peace of -our stomachs.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">- 249 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<p class="caption3">THE</p> - -<p class="caption2">ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY</p> - -<p class="caption3">OF</p> - -<p class="caption1">THE BEE.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<h2><a name="PART_II" id="PART_II">PART II.</a></h2> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 55px;"> -<img src="images/bar_dot.png" width="55" height="14" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI">CHAPTER XXXI.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">ANATOMY.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">H</span>aving</span> given in detail the instructions necessary -for the domestic management of the Bee, and -treated of such parts of its physiology as that -detail naturally suggested; I shall now proceed -to give an account of the most important parts of -its anatomical structure, and so much more of its -physiology as may arise from a consideration of -that structure, or be otherwise likely to interest -my readers.</p> - -<p>Some persons may possibly consider a description -of the anatomy of so small a creature as -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">- 250 -</a></span> -unimportant and uninteresting; but without understanding -the anatomy of the bee, its physiology -would be vague, uncertain, and conjectural; and -it is physiological knowledge that has hitherto -led, and must still lead, to a scientific and profitable -management of this insect. The enlightened -<span class="smcap">Boyle</span>, when contemplating the various wonders -of Nature, has declared his astonishment to have -been more excited by the mite than by the elephant; -and that his admiration dwelt, not so much -on the <i>clocks</i> as on the <i>watches of creation</i>. It is -not my intention, however, to enter deeply into the -anatomy of the bee, but merely to give a general -account of those parts which are most prominent -and important; anything beyond this would, to -the general reader, be tedious and uninteresting. -Those who desire minute information may obtain -it in various works, but in none more satisfactorily -than in that of <span class="smcap">Messrs. Kirby</span> and <span class="smcap">Spence</span>.</p> - -<table summary="parts list"> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">The natural<br />divisions of<br />the Bee</td> - <td><span style="font-size:3.5em;">}</span></td> - <td>are</td> - <td><span style="font-size:3.5em;">{</span></td> - <td class="tdl">The Head.<br />The Trunk.<br />The Abdomen.</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p>These are connected together by ligaments.</p> - -<p>The <span class="smcap">Head</span>, in common with that of other -creatures, is the inlet for nutrition and the principal -seat of the organs of sensation.—Of nutrition -and sensation I shall speak in their appropriate -places.</p> - -<p>The <span class="smcap">Trunk</span> is the intermediate section of the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">- 251 -</a></span> -body between the head and the abdomen: it -approaches in figure to a sphere, and is the seat -of the organs of motion; it contains the muscles of -the wings and legs which proceed from it, and is -the main prop, or as it were the key-stone, of the -other two sections. The upper side is called <i>thorax</i> -or the <i>chest</i>, the under side <i>pectus</i> or the <i>breast</i>.</p> - -<p>The <span class="smcap">Abdomen</span> is the third section of the body, -posterior to the trunk; it is divided into six rings -or segments, which, by sliding one over another, -serve to shorten or lengthen the body. It is the -seat of the organs of generation, and principally -of those connected with respiration; and contains -also the anus and the sting. The upper part is -called <i>tergum</i> or the <i>back</i>, the under side <i>venter</i> -or the <i>belly</i>.</p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">The Head.</span></p> - -<p>The most remarkable part of the head is the -<span class="smcap">Proboscis</span>, of which so good an account has been -given by <span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span> that I shall describe it nearly -in his words.</p> - -<p>It is not so much the mere simplicity of nature, -which excites our wonder and admiration, as that -apparently complex structure, which operates with -all the ease of the simplest machinery. Of this -we have not a more striking instance than in the -proboscis of the labouring bee: though the component -parts of the proboscis are scarcely discernible -by the naked eye, yet are they far more -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">- 252 -</a></span> -complicated than the elephant’s stupendous trunk. -It consists of no less than five distinct branches; -namely, a central trunk, or tongue, and four horny -scales, tapering to a point, convex outwards and -concave towards the trunk; the two outer ones so -sheath the inner as to appear but one single tube: -by a joint in the middle they bend, or extend all at -once, carrying with them the unarticulated tongue, -which is cylindrical, and about the size of a man’s -hair, and appears through a magnifier to be composed -of successive rings. It has probably as many -short muscles as the tongue of a fish, which are capable -of moving it in all directions; and towards its -termination is furnished with hairs or villi, some -of which at the point are very long, and seem to act -like capillary tubes. <span class="smcap">Mr. Wildman</span> assures us, -that he has seen the trunk growing bigger and -less by turns, swelling the instant the bee sucked; -and this alternate lessening and enlargement propagated -from the extremity to the root. What a -delicate apparatus of invisible muscles must perform -this office! The tongue is capable of being -contracted and folded up at pleasure; for if it -were constantly extended, it would be exposed to -injury: when at rest, therefore, it is doubled up by -means of its joint, and lies in a very small compass; -the first portion being brought within the -lip, and the second part folded under the head -and neck, protection is given to it by a double -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">- 253 -</a></span> -sheath, consisting of four strong scales, the two -inner scales sheathing the tongue, and the two -outer and larger ones encompassing the whole. -When at work, the trunk is lengthened beyond -its sheaths, probes the very bottom of the flowers, -through all impediments of foliage or fructification, -and drains them of those treasured sweets which, -without such an apparatus, would be completely -inaccessible.</p> - -<p>The proboscis of the bee is not used like that -of other flies, not being tubular like theirs, but -serves as a brush or besom to sweep, or as a -tongue to lap<a name="FNanchor_11" id="FNanchor_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11" class="fnanchor">[K]</a>; having collected the nectar of -flowers in small drops, it deposits its collection -upon the tongue, which is protruded for the purpose -of receiving it, and having received it, withdrawn -again.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_11" id="Footnote_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11"><span class="label">[K]</span></a> The bee and all other insects that lap their food are -called lambent insects.</p></div> - -<p>The <span class="smcap">Lips</span>. The bee has two lips, an upper one -called <i>labrum</i>, and an under one called <i>labium</i>; -(the <i>Mentum</i> of Latreille.)</p> - -<p>The <span class="smcap">Tongue</span> of the bee, which is very long, is -at its upper part cartilaginous; below the middle, -membranous and capable of considerable inflation, -thus forming a bag to receive the honey from the -proboscis, preparatory to its conveyance into the -pharynx. It terminates in a knob, but has no -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">- 254 -</a></span>passage through it, to exercise the power of suction, -as has been supposed. When in a state of -inaction, it is folded up longitudinally, and lies -between the lips. The tongue of the working -bee is probably the largest of any known animal, -for its size; it is much longer than that of either -the male or queen, and thus fitted for taking up -honey at a considerable depth. The bee has the -power of unfolding it with great rapidity, and -darting it betwixt the petals and stamina of those -flowers that afford honey, it moves it about in -every direction, sweeping the convex as well as -the concave surface of the petals.</p> - -<p>The <span class="smcap">Pharynx</span> lies at the root of the tongue; -it is an opening by which the honey passes from -the tongue to the gullet or honey-bag, and closes -by a valve.</p> - -<p>The <span class="smcap">Œsophagus</span> or <span class="smcap">Gullet</span> receives the food -from the pharynx, and conveys it, in part at least, -to the stomach, there to be digested, animalized, -and forwarded to the small intestines, from whence -it is distributed, through appropriate vessels or -tubes, to all parts of the body for its nutriment. -The gullet is long and slender, commences at the -termination of the pharynx, and traversing the -neck and breast, dilates into a fine bag, transparent -as crystal, and when filled with honey about the -size of a small pea. In bees caught on going out -early in the morning, Mr. Hunter found this reservoir -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">- 255 -</a></span> -perfectly empty; but in those returning -from the fields, it was quite full of honey, <i>some</i> -of which had passed into the stomach.</p> - -<p>The <span class="smcap">Mandibles</span> or upper jaws move horizontally, -and are armed with teeth.</p> - -<p>The <span class="smcap">Maxillæ</span> or under jaws are situated below -the mandibles, have a similar motion, and form, -according to Linnæus, the sheath of the tongue. -De Geer regarded them as part of the apparatus -of the under lip, on each side of which they are -placed.</p> - -<p>The mandibles are powerful organs, hard and -horny, and constitute the tools with which the bee -performs its various labours; the maxillæ on the -contrary are soft and leathery: the latter probably -serve to hold such materials as the former -have occasion to operate upon.</p> - -<p>The <span class="smcap">Antennæ</span>. Of all the organs of insects, -none appear to be of more importance than their -antennæ: in all the tribe they are planted either -between or below the eyes; and no insect has -more than two: in their general structure, they -consist of a number of tubular joints, each having -a separate motion, which gives them every variety -of flexure. The antennæ of the male have one -more joint than those of the female, the former -having thirteen, the latter only twelve. They -seem to enable the insects, by certain signs and -gestures, to communicate to each other their -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">- 256 -</a></span> -mutual wants or discoveries. But I shall enter -more fully into this subject when I come to speak -of the various uses to which the antennæ are -applied.</p> - -<p>The <span class="smcap">Palpi</span> or <span class="smcap">Feelers</span> are also important organs; -their ends are furnished with nervous -papillæ, indicating some peculiar sense, of which -they are the instrument: they are four in number, -two emerging from the maxillæ called maxillary -feelers, and one from each side of the labium, -called labial feelers. The maxillary are short -and without a joint, the labial long and with four -joints, including the two flat joints or elevators.</p> - -<p>The <span class="smcap">Eyes</span>, two in number, are placed in the -sides of the head; they are compounds of an infinite -number of hexagonal lenses, as clear as -crystal, and are guarded by a horny tunicle or -covering. This subject is however treated of in -<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">Chap. XXXII.</a></p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">The Trunk.</span></p> - -<p>The trunk affords attachment to the organs of -motion.</p> - -<p>First, To the <span class="smcap">Wings</span>, which transport the insect -through the air; these consist of two <i>superior</i> and -two <i>inferior</i>: they are membranous and transparent, -and while in a state of repose are incumbent -on each other, covering the abdomen.</p> - -<p>Bees and various other hymenopterous insects, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">- 257 -</a></span> -and also those of the dipterous family, possess -the power of flying in a more perfect degree than -any class of animals besides, surpassing in this -respect even the bird tribe. In the anterior margin -of the under wings small hooks (<i>hamuli</i>) are -placed, which are capable of laying hold of the -posterior margin of the upper wings, by means of -which they are kept steady when flying. These -hooks are discoverable under a good magnifier.</p> - -<p>Secondly, To the <span class="smcap">Legs</span>, by which the insect -moves itself from place to place upon the earth. -Of these there are <i>six in number</i>, each composed -of several joints, and articulated like our arms, -thus affording the power of various movements: -in the legs are three distinct divisions; namely, the -thigh, the shank, and the foot. In the <i>four</i> hinder -legs one joint forms a kind of <i>brush</i>, externally -smooth and bare, but covered on the inside with -stiff bristling hairs. By these the insect is enabled -to brush off farina both from the tips of the stamina -of flowers and from the hairs of its own -body. With the jaws and two fore-feet, the meal -is rolled into small compact masses, which are conveyed, -by the middle pair of legs, to the <i>spoon-shaped -cavities</i> in the centre joint of the two hindmost -feet; these are surrounded by strong close -set hairs, to secure more firmly the precious burdens. -(No such groove is to be found in the legs -of either the queen-bee or drone.) <i>Each foot</i> terminates -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">- 258 -</a></span> -in <i>two hooks</i>, with their points opposite to -each other, by means of which the bees suspend -themselves from the roofs or sides of the hives or -boxes, and hang from each other, in the form of -festoons, ropes, or cones. From the middle of -each pair of hooks proceeds a little thin <i>appendix</i>, -which is usually folded up; when unfolded it enables -the insects to fasten themselves to polished -surfaces, such as glass, &c.: they probably also -use it for taking up small bodies, the pollen for -instance, which they thereby transmit to the hollows -of their hinder legs.</p> - -<p>The trunk also gives origin to a number of -muscles, serving various purposes, which it would -lead me too much into detail to enter upon here.</p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">The Abdomen.</span></p> - -<p>The <i>abdomen</i>, besides various other parts, contains -the <i>honey-bag</i>, the <i>venom-bag</i>, and the <i>anus</i>, -which latter in the female comprehends the <i>ovipositor</i> -and <i>sting</i>: in the male it contains the -<i>organs of reproduction</i> but no sting, and of course -no ovipositor. For a particular account of these, -<i>vide</i> Organs of Reproduction further on.</p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">Organs of Sensation.</span></p> - -<p>We have an abundance of presumptive evidence -that bees are endowed with <i>sensation</i> and <i>perception</i>, -and that the excitement of these faculties is -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">- 259 -</a></span> -communicated, through the medium of <i>nerves</i>, to -a common <i>sensorium</i>, though the latter was denied -to insects by Linnæus and other eminent naturalists. -Common sensation, however, does not -reside in the brain alone of insects, as in that of -warm-blooded animals, but in the spinal marrow -also; hence it is that bees and many other insects -exhibit signs of sensation after their heads have -been severed from their bodies. Some insects -exhibit these for a long time afterwards, the wasp -for instance; <span class="smcap">Lyonnet</span> informs us that he has -seen motion in the body of a wasp, three days -after its division from the head; and I have known -several instances of its inflicting wounds with its -sting, at least four-and-twenty hours after the -separation. The severed body will not only -move but walk, and sometimes even fly, at first -almost as actively without the head as with it. -The penetrating genius of <span class="smcap">Lord Bacon</span> afforded -him such illumination upon this subject, as to -enable him to approach very near to what is at -this day regarded as a correct statement of the -cause of this <i>protracted vitality</i> in mutilated insects. -“They stirre,” says he, “a good while after their -heads are off, or that they be cut in pieces; which -is caused also for that their vital spirits are more -diffused throughout all their parts, and lesse confined -to organs than in perfect creatures.”</p> - -<p>That insects have a real sensorium or brain, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">- 260 -</a></span> -would seem to be proved by their having <i>memory</i>, -and a <i>capacity to receive instruction</i>, and <i>acquire -new habits</i>. Such functions in higher animals are -regarded as functions of a cerebral system. That -they are endowed with memory cannot well be -doubted. <span class="smcap">Huber</span> relates a remarkable instance -of it in bees, which illustrates what will hereafter -be said on their having a method of communicating -information to each other. “Honey,” says -he, “had been placed in a window in autumn, -where the bees resorted to it in multitudes. It -was removed, and the shutters closed during -winter; but when opened again, on the return of -spring, the bees came back, though no honey was -there. Undoubtedly they remembered it, therefore -an interval of several weeks did not obliterate -the impression they had received.” “But the -most striking fact evincing the memory of bees -has been communicated to me,” says <span class="smcap">Mr. Kirby</span>, -"by my intelligent friend <span class="smcap">Mr. W. Stickney</span>, of -<i>Ridgemont, Holderness</i>. About twenty years ago, -a swarm from one of this gentleman’s hives took -possession of an opening beneath the tiles of his -house, whence, after remaining a few hours, they -were dislodged and hived. For many subsequent -years, when the hives descended from this stock -were about to swarm, a considerable party of -scouts were observed, for a few days before, to -be reconnoitring about the old hole under the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">- 261 -</a></span> -tiles; and <i>Mr. Stickney</i> is persuaded, that if -suffered, they would have established themselves -there. He is certain that for eight years successively -the descendants of the very stock that -first took possession of the hole, frequented it as -above stated, and <i>not</i> those of any other swarms; -having constantly noticed them, and ascertained -that they were bees from the original hive by -powdering them, while about the tiles, with yellow -ochre, and watching their return. And even at -the present time, there are still seen every swarming -season about the tiles, bees, which <i>Mr. Stickney</i> -has no doubt are descendants from the original -stock.”</p> - -<p>Some anecdotes of the spider prove that insects -are capable of instruction. <span class="smcap">M. Pelisson</span>, when he -was confined in the Bastille, tamed a spider, and -taught it to come for food at the sound of an -instrument. <i>A manufacturer</i> also, in an apartment -<i>at Paris</i>, fed 800 spiders, which became so -tame, that whenever he entered it, which he -usually did with a dish of flies, they immediately -came down to receive their food. That insects -are susceptible of a change of habits, or rather -that they may acquire civilized habits, if I may -say so, is shown by the domestication of bees, -and occasionally by that of ants and wasps. -<span class="smcap">Huber’s</span> experiments, with leaf-hives, show the -existence of this faculty in an eminent degree, for -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">- 262 -</a></span> -he assures us that it renders the bees quite tame -and tractable.</p> - -<p>Most physiologists, resting upon the evidence -of analogy, agree in attributing <i>five senses</i> to -insects: (<span class="smcap">Dr. Virey</span>, as will be seen further on, -ascribes to them <i>seven senses:</i>) though there is a -difference of opinion as to the organs by which -those senses are conveyed. The <i>antennæ</i> for instance, -have been regarded by some as the organs -of smell, by others as the organs of touch, and by a -third class as the organs of hearing. With the substitution -of taste forbearing, the same opinions have -been maintained respecting the <i>palpi;</i> nor can the -question even now be considered as settled. The -prevailing opinion seems to be, that the antennæ -are explorers or tactors, but that they are also -applied to other uses; the effects produced by -their excision indicate that they are organs of the -highest importance. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">Senses of Bees</a>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Messrs. Kirby</span> and <span class="smcap">Spence</span> notice the analogy -borne by antennæ to the ears of vertebrate animals, -such as their corresponding in number and standing -out from the head. No ether organ has been -found which can be supposed to represent the -ear<a name="FNanchor_12" id="FNanchor_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12" class="fnanchor">[L]</a>. And what I have said in another place, of -their constituting a sixth sense, has received some -countenance from the observations of those naturalists. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">- 263 -</a></span> -“I conceive,” says Mr. K., “that the -antennæ, by a peculiar structure, may collect notices -from the atmosphere, receive pulses or vibrations, -and communicate them to the sensorium, which, -[communications] though not precisely to be called -hearing, may answer the same purpose.” Lehmann -calls the function of the antennæ aëroscepsy. A very -remarkable instance of the effect produced upon -them by sound, is adduced by the authors just -quoted, which one of them has thus related. “A -little moth was reposing upon my window; I made -a quiet, not loud, but distinct noise: the nearest -antenna immediately moved towards me. I repeated -the noise at least a dozen times, and it -was followed every time by the same motion of -that organ; till at length the insect, being alarmed, -became agitated and violent in its motions. In -this instance, it could not be <i>touch</i>; since the -antenna was not applied to a surface, but directed -towards the quarter from which the sound came, -as if to listen.”</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_12" id="Footnote_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12"><span class="label">[L]</span></a> <span class="smcap">Marcel de Serres</span> thinks he has discovered an organ -of hearing in most insects, but does not state its situation.</p></div> - -<p>That the antennæ should have been regarded -as organs of smell is not surprising when the proceedings -of the bees on visiting flowers are considered; -their first act is to introduce one of the -antennæ, but no further than the tip: this conduct -would naturally enough convey the idea of looking -or smelling for nectar; yet it does not at all -militate against the opinion that the antennæ are -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">- 264 -</a></span> -transmitters of sound; the sense which they supply -may, in these little creatures, be so very fine, as -to enable them to hear the bursting of an anther, -or the exudation of nectar. The continual motion -of the antennæ of insects from side to side, when -they walk, conveys the idea that it is by their -means that they inform themselves of what is -going on in their immediate vicinity. The importance -of the antennæ may be inferred from their -very complicated structure. <span class="smcap">Mr. Kirby</span> has -observed, that in one species of <i>Apis</i> which he -examined, under a powerful magnifier, the ten -last joints of the antennæ appeared to be composed -of innumerable hexagons, and from this similarity -in their structure to the eyes (<i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">Senses of -Bees</a>) he thought that they might serve a somewhat -analogous purpose.</p> - -<p>What I have said with respect to the Senses of -Bees, in another place, will I think make it evident -that these insects possess an organ of smell, but -with respect to its situation naturalists differ. -<span class="smcap">Baster</span>, <span class="smcap">Lehmann</span>, and <span class="smcap">Cuvier</span>, consider the -spiracles as the organs of smell, as well as of -respiration: this opinion is founded upon the -notion that, without the inspiration of air, there -can be no smell; and that as insects are smaller -than the food they live upon, it would be of no -consequence to them where this sense was situated. -<span class="smcap">Kirby</span> and <span class="smcap">Spence</span>, on the contrary, suppose that -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">- 265 -</a></span> -it resides in some organ near the mouth: in other -parts of the animal creation certainly, that is its -situation; and as there seems to be a necessary -connection between smell and taste, analogy should -lead us to argue in favour of that opinion; but -though smell be usually accompanied by respiratory -organs, they may not be essentially necessary -to it; a bee may receive impressions from external -objects, in a manner which we cannot comprehend. -In confirmation of this opinion of <span class="smcap">Kirby</span> and -<span class="smcap">Spence</span>, we have the experiments of <span class="smcap">Huber</span>. It -seems that no odour is so unpleasant to insects as -that of oil of turpentine. <span class="smcap">M. Huber</span> having presented -this oil, on the point of a camel’s hair pencil, -successively to every part of the abdomen, trunk -and head, it excited no uneasiness in the bee: he -then tried the eyes and antennæ, but with the -same result; yet as soon as he pointed it a little -above the insertion of the proboscis, near the -cavity of the mouth, the bee receded, became -agitated, clapped its wings, and would have taken -flight, had not the pencil been withdrawn. This -experiment was repeated with the turpentine and -other articles of penetrating odour, and with the -same effect; but when the mouths of several bees -were stopped with paste, no such consequences -ensued, on the contrary they traversed the impregnated -pencils without being at all annoyed -by them; even honey did not attract them. All -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">- 266 -</a></span> -these circumstances tend to prove that the site of -smelling is in or near the mouth.—This subject -will be resumed in <a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">Chap. XXXII.</a></p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">Organs of Respiration.</span></p> - -<p>The respiration of bees is performed through -several little orifices, called <i>stigmata</i>, <i>spiracles</i>, or -<i>breathing pores</i>, situated in the sides of their -bodies, behind their wings. <span class="smcap">Reaumur</span> was of -opinion that inspiration was performed through the -spiracles, and expiration through the mouth; but -<span class="smcap">Bonnet</span> proved satisfactorily that neither inspiration -nor expiration takes place through the mouth. -The spiracles are connected with a system of air-vessels -called <i>tracheæ</i>, ramifying through every -part of the frame, and serving the purpose of -lungs. From the absence of lungs, <span class="smcap">Aristotle</span> and -the ancients in general thought that insects did -not breathe. <span class="smcap">Pliny</span> may perhaps be excepted, for -he has observed that dipping bees in honey or -oil deprives them of life;—this immersion stops up -the mouths of the spiracles. Modern physiologists -have however incontestibly proved that they -do breathe. “Life and flame,” says <span class="smcap">Cuvier</span>, “have -this in common, that neither the one nor the other -can subsist without air; all living beings, from -man to the most minute vegetable, perish when -they are utterly deprived of that fluid.” <span class="smcap">Huber</span> -detected the existence of the stigmata or breathing -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">- 267 -</a></span> -pores, by immersing different portions of a bee -in water, and finally by total immersion, upon -which he observed that bubbles of air attached -themselves for some time to the orifices of the -stigmata, which alternately appeared and receded, -till their increased bulk enabled them to overcome -the resistance of inspiration and rise to the surface. -These respiratory organs escaped the observation -of <span class="smcap">Swammerdam</span>.</p> - -<p>Air is equally necessary to insects in the egg -state: <span class="smcap">Spallanzani</span> found that their eggs could -not be hatched in small close vessels, though all -other circumstances were favourable to a development. -The eggs of the hive-bee, whilst in the -ovaries, have a net-work of air-vessels spread -over their surfaces;—these were discovered by -Swammerdam: from analogy, we may reasonably -conclude, that such a provision obtains generally.</p> - -<p>The closeness of a hive, and its having no -direct current of air through it, may favour a -belief that bees can exist in any atmosphere, -however vitiated, and may seem also to confirm -the opinion of the ancients, that they have no -particular system of respiratory organs. But -<span class="smcap">M. Huber</span> and <span class="smcap">Son</span> have proved that they breathe -like other animals, that they are speedily deprived -of life, if the process of respiration be arrested; -so delicate indeed is their organization, that they -detect the smallest deterioration in the atmosphere -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">- 268 -</a></span> -of their hives, and immediately adopt measures to -restore to this element the degree of purity -essential to respiration: from some eudiometrical -experiments, it has been ascertained that the air -of a well stocked hive is as pure as that by which -it is surrounded. Still neither wax nor pollen -favours the generation of oxygen gas, nor have -bees the faculty of generating it; for when very -closely shut up, they perish in a few hours. The -writers just referred to, discovered that the bees, -by uniting the two wings of each side, by means -of the small marginal hooks with which they -are provided, so as to make them present the -largest possible surface to the air, were capable -of striking it with considerable force, and that -this force was increased by the wings forming a -slight concavity. The wings arranged in this -manner, are put into a violent vibratory motion -by the bees appointed to the office of ventilators, -and produce what we call a draught of air. <i>Ventilation</i> -is thus systematically accomplished. A -certain portion of ventilating bees is stationed in -files at the entrance of the hive, with their heads -turned inwards; another and a larger party, in -files also, stands a considerable way in the interior, -with their heads towards the entrance: thus both -these parties cooperate, in producing a current of -air in the same direction, and are so arranged as -not to interrupt the passage of their fellow-citizens, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">- 269 -</a></span> -moving in and out. As this hard duty has -no intermission during the day, nor in hot weather -during the night, and must necessarily occasion -fatigue, one set of ventilators is considerately relieved -in about twenty-five minutes, by another set -of fresh bees. Under particular circumstances -the number of ventilating bees is considerably increased. -“When the air,” says <span class="smcap">Huber</span>, “was -not renewed in the manner desirable, we have seen -all vibrating their wings at once, though this never -occurs in the natural state, when the vibrations -of a few are sufficient for ventilation.” Although -this fanning motion of the wings is so rapid as to -render them almost indistinguishable, yet they -may be observed to describe an arc of 90°. The -sagacious bees remind me of a method which is -sometimes adopted of renewing the air of a room, -called pumping; some person moves the door -backward and forward so rapidly as to cause a -thorough agitation of the confined air, and the introduction -of a fresh unvitiated atmosphere. -“When they are engaged in ventilation, the bees -by means of their feet and claws, fix themselves -as firmly as possible, to the place they stand upon. -The first pair of legs is stretched out before; -the second extended to the right and left: whilst -the third, placed very near each other, are perpendicular -to the abdomen, so as to give that part -considerable elevation.” That ventilation is carried -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">- 270 -</a></span> -on for the purpose of renewing the air of the hives, -and not for lowering its temperature, is evident -from its being continued to a certain extent, even -during the depth of winter.</p> - -<p>The vibratory motion of the bee’s wings has -been regarded by some as the principal cause of -the <i>humming</i> noise heard in every prosperous hive -during the busy season. This humming has likewise -been attributed to the rushing of the air -through their spiracles: so thought <span class="smcap">M. Chabrier</span>, -and, I believe, <span class="smcap">Mr. J. Hunter</span>. Mr. H. assures -us that bees can produce a sound independently -of their wings; for if these be smeared over with -honey so as to stick together, the bee still makes -a noise, which is shrill and peevish. He found -the same effect from holding the bee by the legs, -with a pair of pincers, while the wings were perfectly -still, and also by immersing the insect in -water, though not till it was very much teased.</p> - -<p>The whole body of a drone is in a state of vibration -when it hums. Though deprived of its -wings, it is capable of producing a sound exactly -similar, and probably the same with its former -hum: even when the legs are cut off, the trunk -retains its tremulous motion, and utters an audible -noise. If immersed in water, many air-bubbles are -disengaged from it: but though the mutilated -insect be taken out alive, it is no longer sonorous. -“This experiment, however incomplete,” says a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">- 271 -</a></span> -writer in the <i>Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles</i>, -“tends at least to prove, that the humming of bees -is not occasioned by a strong vibration of the internal -part of the upper wings, but rather by a -tremulous affection of the entire body; and perhaps -even by the escape of a greater quantity of -air through the stigmata or spiracles. This last -would amount to a sort of voice.” The humming -noise with which a flower is always approached by -the bee, ceases as soon as she has alighted upon -it, though during the time that she is extracting -its sweets she is in a constant vibratory motion.</p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">Circulation.</span></p> - -<p>The term circulation is not strictly applicable -to the imperfect sanguineous system of insects, as -the fluid which supplies their bodies with nutriment -is not distributed to its several parts through -the medium of a heart and vascular system. -Lyonnet and Cuvier are both of opinion that insects -have no heart, whereas all creatures that -possess a circulation, properly so called, have a -heart, lungs or gills, and a liver; but insects have -only air-vessels and hepatic ducts. The chyle -which is produced in their intestines, transpiring -through the pores of the intestinal canal, passes -into the general cavity of the body, where it is -probably animalized, and made to answer the -same purposes that blood does to creatures of a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">- 272 -</a></span> -higher class, though when animalized it still retains -its white colour. Although its distribution -is obscure, from its analogy to blood, we may conclude -that it is a fluid which visits and nourishes -every part of the insect’s body; that from it secretions -are made, and that, as in other creatures, it -is fitted for these purposes by receiving oxygen -from the air-vessels. <span class="smcap">Cuvier</span> has observed that -the blood of insects, “for want of a circulating -system, not being able to seek the air, the air -goes to seek the blood;” the air-vessels, as I have -stated under the head of Respiration, are distributed -to every part of the body.</p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">Nutrition.</span></p> - -<p>From what I have said under the head of Circulation, -it will appear evident that the bodies of -bees and other insects are supplied with nutriment -in a very simple manner. <span class="smcap">Cuvier</span> is of -opinion that it is obtained by direct absorption or -transudation, by imbibition as he calls it, through -the pores of the intestinal canal, along which the -blood or animalized chyle passes: and <span class="smcap">Lyonnet</span> -thinks that this imbibition is analogous to that -which takes place from the earth by the roots of -plants.</p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">Secretion.</span></p> - -<p>Every thing connected with the subject of secretion -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">- 273 -</a></span> -seems to be obscure: it is evident, however, -that secretions do take place; for silk, wax, -and poison are all the results of that process. -The first of these substances is only secreted by -the bee when in its larva state. I must refer -those who wish for information respecting silk, to -those naturalists who have written on the silk-worm. -The secretion of wax I shall treat of -hereafter in a distinct chapter; and it will be -better perhaps to speak of Poison, after describing -the sting and its appurtenances. There is one secretion -however, on which I will say a few words -in this place,—viz. Perspiration.</p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">Perspiration.</span></p> - -<p>The <i>temperature of insects</i> not gregarious, is -generally that of the medium they inhabit; but -bees possess the power not only of preserving a -high temperature during the coldest mouths of -winter, but of raising that temperature under particular -circumstances. <span class="smcap">Dr. Darwin</span> has observed -that they generate heat by a general motion of -their legs, as they hang clustered together in the -hives: <span class="smcap">Huber</span> thinks that it may be increased by -the agitation of their wings;—whatever disturbs -them so as to cause a tumult invariably produces -a considerable accession of heat. <span class="smcap">Inch</span>, a <i>German</i>, -plunged a thermometer into a bee-hive in the -winter, and saw the mercury stand 27 degrees higher -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">- 274 -</a></span> -than it did in the open air. <span class="smcap">Mr. Hunter</span> found -the <i>heat of a hive</i> vary from 73° to 84° of Fahrenheit; -and <span class="smcap">Huber</span>, who says that in a prosperous -hive the thermometer in winter commonly stands -at from 86° to 88°, and in summer between 95° -and 97°, states that he has observed it, on some -occasions, to rise suddenly from about 92° to above -104°. The former naturalist, about ten o’clock in -the morning, in the middle of July, when the -quicksilver in the thermometer in the open air -ranged at 54°, found that on plunging it into a -bee-hive, it rose in less than five minutes to 82°. -At five the next morning it stood at 79°,—at nine -it had risen to 83°,—at one to 84°; and at nine in -the evening it had fallen to 78°. On the 30th of -December, when the temperature of the air was -35°, that in the hive was 73°. Bees also possess -the power of counteracting or throwing off superabundant -heat, by perspiration. <span class="smcap">Huber</span> observed, -that when crowded together in hot weather, -they become much heated, and perspire so -copiously that those near the bottom seem perfectly -drenched, and are for a time incapable of -flying from the moisture on their wings.</p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">Motion.</span></p> - -<p>The <i>motions of insects</i> are performed through -the medium of an appropriate apparatus of muscles, -which move the head, trunk, abdomen, viscera, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">- 275 -</a></span> -and limbs, as in other parts of the animal -creation. The muscles of insects generally possess -very great power, as may be seen by the -motion of the mandibles, and the propulsion of -the bee’s sting. It is very strikingly evinced -also in the flea. <span class="smcap">Latreille</span> gives an account of -one that dragged a silver cannon twenty-four -times its own weight, firing it off afterwards, -without exhibiting any symptom of fear. An -English workman also is said to have made an -ivory coach, with six horses, a coachman on the -seat with a dog between his legs, a postillion, four -persons in the coach, and four lacqueys behind,—the -whole of which was dragged by a single flea. -A further evidence of the muscular power of the -flea is the extent of its leaps, which equal a space -of 200 times the length of its own body. This -calculation, or a very similar one, was made by -<span class="smcap">Socrates</span>, who was much ridiculed for it by -<span class="smcap">Aristophanes</span>. The poet, however, did not confine -his ridicule to this minuteness of calculation, -but attacked likewise the character and precepts -of that great philosopher; for the whole of which -satire he has justly incurred the censure of posterity.</p> - - -<p class="caption3 smcap">Organs of Reproduction.</p> - -<p>These organs, in the drone, correspond in function -and denomination with those of the higher -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">- 276 -</a></span> -classes of animals: their chief peculiarity consists -in their size, in proportion to that of the insect, -and in their being more under the belly than in -other insects of this tribe;—they are larger than -those of the humble-bee, and the two last scales -of the back and belly are larger than those of the -queen or workers.</p> - -<p>The female organs consist principally of the -ovaries, the oviducts, the sperm-reservoir, and -the ovipositor. In the ovaries the eggs are generated, -and remain till rendered fit by impregnation, -and the other circumstances necessary for -their maturation, to pass through the oviducts. -According to Mr. Hunter, what are called ovaries -are really ducts; the eggs therefore are not formed -as in other animals, in a cluster on the back, -but in those ducts, of which there are six on each -side. When full of eggs, they form a kind of -quadrangle; these six ducts uniting on each side -into one duct, this latter enters a duct common -to both sides, which may be called the <i>vagina</i> or -<i>ovipositor</i>. The common <i>oviduct</i> is the canal -through which the eggs pass from the ovaries as -they are called, to the ovipositor. The <i>sperm-reservoir</i> -is the organ which, according to Herold, -receives the <i>impregnating sperm</i> of the drone, the -<i>modus operandi</i> of which we are unacquainted -with. In the hive-bee and in some other insects, -the influence of this sperm continues so long -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">- 277 -</a></span> -a time, and through so many generations, as -almost to exceed belief. (<i>Vide</i> <a href="#Page_31">page 31</a>). This led -<span class="smcap">Dr. Haighton</span> to entertain the opinion that -actual contact betwixt the male sperm and the -egg was not necessary, but that impregnation was -effected by some unknown sympathetic influence. -<span class="smcap">Messrs. Kirby</span> and <span class="smcap">Spence</span> have recourse to the -old doctrine of an <i>aura seminalis</i> being all that -is required to vivify the egg, and which they think -may be retained for a long period. Upon this -subject I have entered at some length in <a href="#Page_25">page -25</a> <i>et seq.</i> The <i>ovipositor</i> places the eggs in -their appropriate situations, and is an instrument -of most curious structure. It consists of a long -tube, or rather several tubes, retractile within -each other, like the pieces of a telescope, and -serves not only to convey the extruded eggs to the -place of their destination, but acts also as a sheath -for <i>the sting</i>, having a sharp point which makes -the first impression when the creature intends to -use its sting,—indeed it appears to be itself the -sting. It has a slit near its extremity, through -which the sting and poison are allowed to pass -at the time of stinging. Some insects have occasion -to bore a hole in wood, or other hard substances, -to obtain a proper nidus for their eggs; -the ovipositor is their operating instrument, and -will either saw or bore a passage to the desired -place. Thus it appears that this curiously complex -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">- 278 -</a></span> -apparatus, which in the bee is used both as -a weapon of defence and offence, is a hollow horny -tube or scabbard, inclosing two bearded darts, -which can be thrust a short way beyond the -sheath, though the whole appears to the naked -eye like the solid point of the minutest needle.</p> - -<p>This apparatus is moved by muscles which, -though invisible to the eye, are yet strong enough -to force the sting to the depth of one twelfth of -an inch through the thick cuticle of a man’s hand. -It is articulated by thirteen scales to the lower -end of the insect’s body; and at its root are situated -two glands or ducts, from which the poison -is secreted: these glands uniting in one duct, eject -the venomous liquid along the groove formed by -the junction of the two piercers. There are four -beards on the outside of each piercer: when the -insect is prepared to sting, one of these piercers, -having its point a little longer or more in advance -than the other, first darts into the flesh, and being -fixed by its foremost beard, the other strikes in -also, and they alternately penetrate deeper and -deeper, till they acquire a firm hold of the flesh -with their hooks, and then follows the sheath entering -and conveying the poison into the wound. -The action of the sting, says <span class="smcap">Paley</span>, affords an -example of the union of <i>chemistry</i> and <i>mechanism:</i> -of chemistry, in respect to the <i>venom</i> which can -produce such powerful effects: of mechanism, as -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">- 279 -</a></span> -the sting is a compound instrument. The machinery -would have been comparatively useless -had it not been for the chemical process, by which -in the insect’s body <i>honey</i> is converted into -<i>poison</i>; and on the other hand, the poison would -have been ineffectual, without an instrument to -wound, and a syringe to inject it.</p> - -<p>In consequence of the barbed form of its sting -the bee can seldom disengage itself without leaving -behind it the whole apparatus, and even part of -its bowels; so that her life is usually sacrificed to -her passion.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Illis ira modum supra est, læsæque venenum<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Morsibus inspirant, et spicula cæca relinquunt,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Affixæ venis, animasque in vulnera ponunt.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Virgil</span></p></div> - -<p><i>The sting of the queen-bee</i> is longer and stouter -than that of the working-bee, and bends a little -under her belly. She is not eager to employ it; -and from what has been said above, of the fatality -which usually attends its use, conjecture has been -busy as to the cause of her extreme caution in -this respect. <span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span> observes, that it cannot -arise from any selfish consideration, founded on -an instinctive knowledge of the danger she thereby -incurs; since the common bees, who run the same -risk when they sting, are ready to attack upon -the slightest provocation. “Is it owing,” says -he, “to a consciousness of the importance of her -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">- 280 -</a></span> -life to the community? or may we rather ascribe -it to the dignified and generous forbearance so -frequently exemplified in the lion or English -mastiff?”</p> - -<p>The reluctance of queens to eject their stings, -led Pliny and others to imagine that they did not -possess any. Their extreme caution in this respect, -and the fatal consequences usually attending -a departure from it, gave birth to the following -jeux d’esprit. In consequence of Pope Urban the -Eighth being suspected of a stronger attachment -to the French than to the Spaniards, a Frenchman -who had observed <i>three bees</i> quartered upon his -arms, wrote this Latin verse.</p> - -<div class="blockquot">“Gallis mella dabunt, Hispanis spicula figent.”</div> - -<p>To this a Spaniard is said to have subjoined,</p> - -<div class="blockquot">“Spicula si figant, emorientur apes.”</div> - -<p>To close the series, and to show his universal -paternal regard towards his flock, Pope Urban -is made to add the following distich:</p> - -<div class="blockquot">“Cunctis mella dabunt, et nullis spicula figent,<br /> -Spicula rex<a name="FNanchor_13" id="FNanchor_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13" class="fnanchor">[M]</a> etenim figere nescit apum.”</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_13" id="Footnote_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13"><span class="label">[M]</span></a> The ancients supposed the sovereign of the bees to be -a male.</p></div> - -<p>This <i>caution of the queens</i> is never more conspicuously -evinced than <i>in their combats with each -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">- 281 -</a></span> -other</i>, for they instantly separate if there be any -danger of <i>mutual</i> destruction from the darting -forth of their stings. <span class="smcap">Huber</span> gives a striking instance -of this. Two queens in one of his hives -having left their cells at nearly the same instant, -rushed together with great apparent fury. The -antennæ of each were seized by the teeth of the -other, and the head, breast, and belly of both -were mutually opposed. Finding themselves however -thus dangerously situated, and their curved -extremities on the point of meeting, each disengaged -itself and flew away; when the other -bees, who had before receded, to make a clear -arena for the combatants, drove them together -again. This was done repeatedly, till at last the -stronger queen, seizing the other’s wing, and -curling her extremities under her belly, inflicted -a mortal sting.</p> - -<p>I think this observation of Huber puts a negative -upon Dr. Evans’s last question, and to assent -to his first would I apprehend raise her majesty -too high in the scale of existence. I believe -we must here, as in many other similar cases, -acknowledge our ignorance, and refer the proceeding -to instinct.</p> - -<p>We have seen that where there is more than -one native queen in a hive, there is always a -combat between them, terminating in the death -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">- 282 -</a></span> -of all but one. It was the opinion of <span class="smcap">Schirach</span> -and <span class="smcap">Riem</span>, that if a stranger queen were introduced -where there was a native one, the former would -be assailed by the workers, and by them stung to -death. The experiments of <span class="smcap">Huber</span> and <span class="smcap">Dunbar</span> -discountenance this opinion: indeed Huber says -that in the whole course of his experience he -never knew more than one instance of a queen’s -being stung by a worker, and that was wholly -unintentional.</p> - -<p>But though the experiments to which I have -just alluded, produced different results from what -we were led to expect by Schirach and Riem, yet -those of <span class="smcap">Huber</span> did not correspond with those of -<span class="smcap">Dunbar</span>. The former introduced two stranger -queens into hives containing native queens; of the -latter, one was fertile the other a virgin,—the former -were both fertile. Each of these introductions -led to a single combat between the queens, -and each terminated in the death of the stranger. -The latter gentleman also on two occasions introduced -stranger queens to the queens regnant, -in his mirror-hive; but in neither case were they -stung to death, either by the queen or workers, -but merely surrounded and confined by the latter, -and by that confinement either suffocated or -starved to death. <span class="smcap">Schirach</span> and <span class="smcap">Riem</span> had probably -witnessed similar conduct on the part of the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">- 283 -</a></span> -workers, and were no doubt led thereby to conjecture -that they dispatched the queens with their -stings.</p> - -<p>From what has been said of the fatal consequence -to the bee itself when it makes use of its -sting for the annoyance of man and other animals, -it might be supposed that the darting of this -weapon by one bee into the body of another, -might cause the death of both; but this is not -usually the case, otherwise there would be a great -mortality amongst them, when the persecution of -the drones takes place. <span class="smcap">Huber</span> contrived, by placing -several of his hives upon a glass table, to witness -this scene of massacre; on which occasion the -bees thrust their stings so deeply into the bodies -of the drones, (generally between the segments of -the abdomen,) as to be obliged to turn upon themselves, -as upon a pivot, before they could extricate -them; but by so doing they succeeded, as do the -queens also in their combats with each other. -Instances are related, of combats between workers -proving mutually destructive, from the victors -being unable to extricate their stings from the -wounds they have inflicted. <span class="smcap">Mr. Hunter</span> saw -an instance of this: the bee was stung in the -mouth; and he saw it running about afterwards, -with the sting and its appurtenances adherent in -the wound.</p> - -<p>Indeed by allowing the bee to draw out her -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">- 284 -</a></span> -Sting gradually, when we ourselves are stung,—which -if we had sufficient firmness and presence -of mind to remain still, she would instinctively do, -by bringing the beards close down to the sides of -the darts,—the life of this valuable insect might be -preserved, and the pain in the wounded part be -much lessened: but the alarm of both parties -seldom admits of such forbearance. The wasp is -not so liable to leave its sting behind as the bee, -the beards of the former being rather shorter, and -the insect stronger and more active.</p> - -<p>The sooner the sting is extracted the less venom -is ejected, and consequently less inflammation induced. -To alleviate the irritation, numberless -<i>remedies</i> have been proposed, of the most opposite -kind and uncertain effect; as oil, vinegar, bruised -parsley, burnet, mallow, or the leaves of any succulent -vegetable (renewed as soon as warm, and -probably therefore operating by cold alone), honey, -indigo dissolved in water, &c. &c. The <i>most effectual</i> -remedy appears to be the <i>Aq. Ammon.</i> or -<i>Spirit of Hartshorn</i>: nor is this surprising, when -we consider that <i>the venom of the bee, or wasp, is -evidently acid</i>. <i>If a humble-bee be irritated to sting -paper tinged with litmus, or any other of the vegetable -blues, the colour is changed by the acid of the -venom to a bright red;</i> this acid appears not to -differ from the acid (<i>bombic</i>) of silk-worms, or -(<i>formic</i>) of ants. The acrimony of the latter -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">- 285 -</a></span> -many have experienced when inadvertently sitting -down on an ant-hill. On this principle, a solution -of any alkali, or even lime-water, might answer -the same purpose; and soap would have the -double advantage of neutralizing the acid and allaying -the inflammation, by the oil which would be disengaged. -Plunging the part stung into cold or -warm water would afford the same relief as in burns, -&c. and also dilute the acid acrimony. Quietness -is the surest protection against being stung. -It has lately been affirmed, that a person is perfectly -secure amidst myriads of bees, if he carefully -keep his mouth shut, and breathe gently -through the nostrils only, the human breath being, -as it would appear, highly offensive to their delicate -organs. (<i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">Senses of Bees</a>.) It is added -that with this precaution, hives may be turned -up, and even part of the combs cut out, while the -bees are at work, with perfect impunity.</p> - -<p>Those who wish to view the sting of a wasp or -bee through a microscope, may cut off the end of -its tail, when by touching it with a needle or pin -it will thrust out the darts and their sheath, which -may be then snipt off with a pair of scissors and -reserved for observation. If the insect be caught -in a leather glove and provoked to eject its sting, -the same end will be answered; as the sting being -detained by its barbs, will be left in the leather, -from whence, when the creature is dead (which in -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">- 286 -</a></span> -the case of a wasp will not be for many hours), -the whole apparatus may, with care, be extracted.</p> - -<p>“Upon examining the edge of a very keen -razor by the microscope, it appeared as broad as -the back of a pretty thick knife, rough, uneven, -and full of notches and furrows, and so far from any -thing like sharpness, that an instrument as blunt -as this seemed to be, would not serve even to -cleave wood<a name="FNanchor_14" id="FNanchor_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14" class="fnanchor">[N]</a>.” “An exceedingly small needle -being also examined, the point thereof appeared -above a quarter of an inch in breadth; not round, -nor flat, but irregular and unequal; and the surface, -though extremely smooth and bright to the -naked eye, seemed full of ruggedness, holes, and -scratches. In short it resembled an iron bar out -of a smith’s forge<a name="FNanchor_15" id="FNanchor_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15" class="fnanchor">[O]</a>.” But the sting of a bee, -viewed through the same instrument, showed -every where a polish most amazingly beautiful,—without -the least flaw, blemish, or inequality; and -ended in a point too fine to be discovered: yet -this is only the case or sheath of instruments much -more exquisite, contained therein, as before described.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_14" id="Footnote_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14"><span class="label">[N]</span></a> Hook’s Microcosm.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_15" id="Footnote_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15"><span class="label">[O]</span></a> Philosophical Transactions.</p></div> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">The Poison of Bees.</span></p> - -<p>The <i>poison of bees</i>, as also that of wasps, is a -transparent fluid: applied to the tongue it imparts -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">- 287 -</a></span> -a sweet taste, which is succeeded by a hot -acrid one. It gives a slight red tinge, as has been -already hinted, to litmus paper, and hence the -<span class="smcap">Abbé Fontana</span> has concluded that an acid enters -into its composition, but in very small proportion. -The venom is so extremely active, that he conjectures -a grain in weight would kill a pigeon in -a few seconds. It is this fluid which causes the inflammation -consequent upon being stung. A puncture -from a needle that was charged with it, would -produce precisely the same effects. These effects -are very different in different persons; for whilst a -single sting will produce alarming symptoms in -one individual, another may receive numerous -punctures without sustaining pain or inflammation -in any considerable degree; sometimes without -suffering either. The activity of the venom -varies according to the season of the year: a sting -received in winter produces much less inconvenience -than one inflicted in summer; the pain and -inflammation are neither so intense nor of such -long continuance. This may arise from there -being a more copious secretion of venom in summer -than in winter; for during the former season, if -a bee inflict several wounds with its sting, the pain -and inflammation become progressively less at each -consecutive puncture: after three or four punctures, -it is rendered incapable of producing more -inconvenience than the point of a sharp needle.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">- 288 -</a></span></p> - -<p>If a bee be provoked to dart its sting against -glass, so as to eject its venom upon it, and the -glass thus charged be placed upon a double microscope, -oblong pointed crystals will become visible; -these may be seen at first floating in the -venom, and gradually shooting into crystals as the -fluid part evaporates.</p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">The Anger of Bees.</span></p> - -<p>I have already treated of the disposition of bees -to use their stings, when irritated, either by direct -interference with them, or by the approach of persons -to whom they have an antipathy. <span class="smcap">Virgil</span> -has, in strong terms, noticed their irascibility:—when -once provoked, says he, they set no bounds -to their anger, but</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Deem life itself to vengeance well resign’d,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Die on the wound, and leave their stings behind.”<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p><i>Fatal consequences</i> occurring from their wounds -are not often heard of, though such I believe have -occasionally happened. <span class="smcap">Messrs. Kirby</span> and -<span class="smcap">Spence</span> relate an instance of a violent fever being -produced, by the injury they inflicted, and in -which the person’s recovery was for some time -doubtful. <span class="smcap">Mungo Park</span> also mentions, in his -Travels, an instance of severe annoyance from -them, and states that he lost several asses in -Africa owing to their being attacked by bees. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">- 289 -</a></span> -<span class="smcap">Mr. Talbot</span>, in his Five Years Residence in the -Canadas, states, that during the summer of 1820, -the <i>Rev. Ralph Leeming</i> having sent a fine horse -to grass at a neighbouring farmer’s, who kept -about twenty stocks of bees, the animal got upon -the lawn where the hives were placed, and by accident -overturned one of them, the bees of which -attacked him with great virulence. The horse, -rearing and kicking from agony, overthrew another -hive. Having thus doubled the number of his -assailants, his sufferings brought him to the ground, -and in less than five minutes from the commencement -of the attack the poor animal was literally -stung to death.</p> - -<p>The anger of bees is not confined to man, and -other large animals; it is sometimes vented upon -their own kind, not only in single combat, but in -conflicts of organized masses. Cases of the former -kind every observer must have noticed; and of -the latter, several instances have been related by -<span class="smcap">Reaumur</span>, <span class="smcap">Thorley</span>, <span class="smcap">Knight</span>, and others. The -engagement, witnessed by <span class="smcap">Thorley</span>, lasted more -than two days, and originated in a swarm’s attempting -to take possession of an already occupied -hive. Remarkable battles of this kind have also -been related by other writers. Whenever the -angry excitation is diffused through a whole community, -a great accession of heat is produced in -the hive.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">- 290 -</a></span></p> - -<p>Notwithstanding bees are thus occasionally -animated by a most vindictive spirit, against what -they regard as a public enemy, they are not found -to display any peculiar hostility in the revenge of -a private injury, committed upon them at a distance -from their homes. This is a fact which has -been noticed both by <span class="smcap">Mr. Hunter</span> and <span class="smcap">Mr. -Knight</span>. The former observes also, that bees -never sting but in the neighbourhood of their -property, unless hurt; that they never contend -with each other for honey, unless it be placed -within the boundary of their own right,—but that -what they have collected they defend. The indisposition -of bees to attack or be angry at a -distance has been confirmed by <span class="smcap">Mr. Knight</span>, -who says, that, though the most irritable of animals -near home, he has seen them suffer themselves to -be patiently robbed of their loads by other bees, -and that he has witnessed this in the same bee -three times in succession. He says likewise, that -if the wasps in a nest have their communication -cut off from those that are abroad, the latter, on -their return, will not make any attack; but that if -one escape from the interior, it evinces a very -different temper, and is ready to sacrifice its life -to avenge the injury. This <span class="smcap">Mr. Knight</span> discovered -when a boy, and he has no doubt but -that if a similar proceeding were adopted towards -bees, they would observe the same conduct.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">- 291 -</a></span></p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">The Language of Bees.</span></p> - -<p>All creatures that live in society seem to possess -the power of communicating intelligence to one -another. “Brutes,” says <span class="smcap">Mr. Knight</span>, “have language -to express sentiments of love, of fear, and of -anger; yet they seem unable to transmit any impression -they have received from external objects. -But the language of bees is more extensive: if not -a language of ideas, it is something very similar.” -This faculty has been very remarkably illustrated -by <span class="smcap">Huber</span> in his Treatise on Ants; and the bee -exhibits many strong evidences of it. <span class="smcap">Huber</span> -clearly shows that the communications of Ants are -made through the medium of their antennæ; he -has also proved very satisfactorily, that these -organs serve the same purpose in bees.</p> - -<p>Being desirous of ascertaining whether when -a queen was removed from a hive, (a circumstance -which is communicated to the whole family within -an hour,) they discovered their loss by means of -smell, touch, or any unknown sense; he accordingly -divided a hive into two portions, by means -of a grating which admitted a free circulation of -air, but denied a passage to the bees, or even to -their antennæ: the consequence was, that the bees -contained in the half that had no queen, after they -had recovered from the agitation<a name="FNanchor_16" id="FNanchor_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16" class="fnanchor">[P]</a> always produced -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">- 292 -</a></span> -under such circumstances, set about building -royal cells, just as they would have done if the -queen had been entirely removed from the hive. -He repeated this experiment, with a grating which -allowed the transmission of the antennæ only. -Here the effect was quite different: for the bees -being able to assure themselves, by the frequent -crossing of their antennæ with those of the queen, -that she was still amongst them, every thing remained -in order; the brood were attended to, no -interruption took place in any of their labours, -nor were any royal cells commenced. From all -these experiments (and they were repeatedly -tried), it seems evident that the antennæ of bees, -as well as of ants, possess the faculty of receiving -and conveying information. Bees receive some -kinds of intelligence through the medium of certain -sounds, as has been stated in another place.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_16" id="Footnote_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16"><span class="label">[P]</span></a> This agitation usually continues two or three hours, -sometimes (though but seldom) four or five,—never longer.</p></div> - -<p><i>The antennæ</i>, in addition to the uses already -ascribed to them, may serve to <i>inform the bees of -the state of the atmosphere, and enable them to -discern the approach of a change in the weather</i>. -The suddenness and rapidity of their flight towards -the apiary, often afford a hint to the observer of -their proceedings, that a storm is at hand, of which -he received no intimation from any other quarter.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Inque vicem speculantur aquas et nubila cœli.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Virgil.</span></p></div> - -<p>“That the bees,” says <span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span>, “can foresee -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">- 293 -</a></span> -bad weather, is a fact beyond denial; though we -know not through the medium of what sense that -faculty is exerted. We are often surprised to -find, even with a promising appearance of the sky, -their labours suddenly cease, and that not a bee -stirs out; or, on the contrary, that those which -a e abroad, hurry home in such crowds that the -door is too small for their admission. But on -strictly examining the heavens, we may discern -some small and distant clouds, which, insensibly -collecting, soon after descend in rain." The Doctor -likewise says, that an observant friend of his, -foretells with confidence that rain will fall in the -course of a few hours, when he finds on a clear -summer’s morning that his garden is wholly -deserted by his neighbour’s bees. In this he -enjoys an advantage over their real owner, the -flowers near the apiary being crowded as usual by -these wary foragers. “If,” says <span class="smcap">Mr. Kirby</span>, -“they wander far from home, and do not return -till late in the evening, it is a prognostic to be -depended upon, that the following day will be -fine: but if they remain near their habitations, and -be seen frequently going and returning,—although -no indication of wet should be discoverable, clouds -will soon arise and rain come on. Ants also are -observed to be excellently gifted in this respect: -though they daily bring out their larvæ to the -sun, they are never overtaken by sudden showers.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">- 294 -</a></span></p> - -<p>I have before stated that in the course of an -hour the important intelligence of the loss or -safety of a queen is known to a whole colony. It -seems highly improbable that in this time, 20,000 -bees should have assured themselves of the presence -and safety of their queen, by applying their -antennæ to hers; such an attempt would create a -state of complete confusion. Huber proved by -a very decisive experiment, similar to those already -related, that the queen is not distinguishable by -her subjects, in consequence of any emanation -from her person. There must then be some mode, -to which I have given the name of language, by -which those who have exchanged contact with -their antennæ can communicate the tranquillizing -intelligence to their companions. It seems impossible -to explain, in any other way, the concurrence -of so many wills to one end; or that sudden -interruption and restitution of harmony which are -often exhibited in every community of bees. It -is the opinion of <span class="smcap">Mr. Knight</span> that bees are not -only capable of communicating intelligence to the -members of their own family, but that a friendly -intercourse sometimes takes place between neighbouring -colonies: the cases which he has related -in support of this opinion, however, can hardly be -said to bear him out in it; for in each of them, -after the intercourse had continued for a few days, -it terminated in violent hostility. Such instances, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">- 295 -</a></span> -though not of frequent occurrence, have been -occasionally noticed by others.</p> - - -<p class="caption3"><span class="smcap">Sleep of Bees.</span></p> - -<p>It is reasonable to suppose that every part of -animated nature needs occasional intervals of repose. -That this is the case with the bee seems -evident, from the almost motionless quietude of -the workers, which often occurs for fifteen or -twenty minutes together, each bee inserting its -head and thorax into a cell, where it might be -mistaken for dead, were it not for the dilatation -of the segments of its abdomen. The queen sometimes -does the same in a drone’s cell, where she -continues without motion a very long time, when -“the workers form a circle round her, and gently -brush the uncovered parts of her abdomen. The -drones while reposing do not enter the cells, but -cluster in the combs, and sometimes remain without -stirring a limb for eighteen or twenty hours.” -<span class="smcap">Huber</span> says that he has seen the workers, even in -the middle of the day, when apparently wearied -with exertion, insert half their bodies into the -empty cells, and remain there, as if taking a nap, -for half an hour or longer; at night they regularly -muster, in a sleep-like silence.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“The sun declining, through the murky air.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Home to their hives the vagrant bands repair,<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">- 296 -</a></span> -<span class="i1">There in soft slumber close their willing eyes,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And hush’d in silence, the whole nation lies.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Murphy’s Vaniere.</span></p></div> - - -<p class="caption3"><a id="Longevity"></a><span class="smcap">Longevity of Bees.</span></p> - -<p>The several members of a hive have very different -periods of existence. The general law -among insects is, that both male and female shall -perish soon after sexual union; in a few days or -weeks at furthest, according to the time, probably, -that the female occupies in maturing and depositing -her eggs. By retarding sexual union, the -lives of some insects may be very much prolonged,—even -ephemeræ have been kept alive by this -means for seven or eight days. Annual plants, -if prevented from seeding, may be rendered biennial. -The bee and some other insects are exempted -from this forfeiture of life after sexual -union, with the exception already alluded to in -<a href="#Page_33">page 33</a>. The ancients were very deficient in -knowledge upon this subject. <span class="smcap">Virgil</span> fixes the -term of a bee’s existence at seven years<a name="FNanchor_17" id="FNanchor_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17" class="fnanchor">[Q]</a>, having -probably copied from <span class="smcap">Aristotle</span>; though Aristotle -says that bees who live to an extreme old age -may reach to nine or ten years. <span class="smcap">Columella -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">- 297 -</a></span></span><a name="FNanchor_18" id="FNanchor_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18" class="fnanchor">[R]</a> -and <span class="smcap">Pliny</span><a name="FNanchor_19" id="FNanchor_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19" class="fnanchor">[S]</a> have been supposed to regard their -existence as extending to ten years; though the -language of the former applies to the existence of -the community, and not to individual bees: and -provided the hive be never changed, nor the -combs renewed, it is not likely that any one family -should have its existence prolonged beyond that -period; as the accumulation of silken pellicles -with which the breeding-cells are successively -lined, would render them unfit for use in a very -few years. In addition to the diminution of the -cells by this succession of silken linings, they are -also diminished further by the excrement of the -larvæ, which is never cleaned out, but confined -behind each lining: both together, therefore, soon -render the cells unfit for use as brood-cells. -<span class="smcap">Mr. Hunter</span> found three of these layers deposited -in a single season, and counted upwards of twenty -in the cells of an old comb; which, upon an average -of three a year, would correspond with the period -fixed by the ancients; though this observation by -no means proves that the hive upon which it was -made, or any other, might not have had a much -more protracted existence. <span class="smcap">Mr. Espinasse</span> tells -us that he once took a hive which had stood -fourteen years, having found that it had become -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">- 298 -</a></span> -weak: it had nevertheless sent off a swarm the -year previous. There is an instance or two on -record, of one family having continued in the -same hive for thirty years. One of these is -mentioned by <span class="smcap">Reaumur</span>, another by <span class="smcap">Mouffet</span>. -<span class="smcap">Thorley</span> speaks of a colony having occupied -the same domicile for 110 <i>years</i>. The spot chosen -was under the leads of the study of <span class="smcap">Ludovicus -Vives</span> in Oxford: the original swarm settled there -in 1520 and kept possession till 1630. Query,—may -not the bees when the combs become very old -and the cells much diminished in size, remove them -and construct fresh ones? To those who may -wish for their own satisfaction to examine the -linings of a brood cell, I would observe, that <span class="smcap">Mr. -Hunter’s</span> mode of proceeding was, to soak the -cell in water, till the linings were swelled, when -he had no difficulty in separating and counting -them: he found them separate most readily at the -bottom, on account of the inclosed excrement.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_17" id="Footnote_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17"><span class="label">[Q]</span></a></p> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Ergo ipsas quamvis angusti terminus ævi<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Excipiat, neque enim plus septima ducitur æstas.”<br /></span> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_18" id="Footnote_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18"><span class="label">[R]</span></a></p> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Durantque, si diligenter excultæ sint, in annos decem.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Columella.</span></p></div> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<a name="Footnote_19" id="Footnote_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19"><span class="label">[S]</span></a> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i8">“Alveos nunquam<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Ultra decem annos durasse proditur.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Pliny.</span></p></div> -</div> - -<p>To common observers it might appear, that -the lives of the bees were coeval with the foundation -of the colony, presuming upon all the young -bees leaving the parent stock in swarms. But I -have already stated that all swarms consist of a -mixture of young and old bees; the difference -between them is very distinguishable, those of the -present year being brown, plump, and clothed -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">- 299 -</a></span> -with light hairs, whilst the old ones have red hairs, -notched and ragged wings, and are paler and more -shrunk in their bodies.</p> - -<p>The cases which I have related, and others of a -similar kind, have led to the erroneous opinion -that bees are a long-lived race. But this, as <span class="smcap">Dr. -Evans</span> has observed, is just as wise as if a stranger, -contemplating a populous city, and personally -unacquainted with its inhabitants, should on paying -it a second visit, many years afterwards, and -finding it equally populous, imagine that it was -peopled by the same individuals, not one of whom -might be then alive. “Such strangers are we to -the honied hive, where, however quickly its generations -may have passed away, the same face is -presented to the beholder.”</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“The race and realm from age to age remain,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And time but lengthens with new links the chain.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Sotheby’s Georgics.</span></p></div> - -<p>The usual term of the male’s existence is two -or three months only;—I say the usual term, for -his life is always cut off by violence, when no -peculiar circumstances arise to render his existence -any longer useful. Such circumstances having -arisen, as has been before observed, (<a href="#Page_44">page 44</a>,) he -may be kept alive a much longer period, for a -year at least, but how much longer has not as yet -been ascertained.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">- 300 -</a></span></p> - -<p>With respect to the queen, by comparing what -has been said above, as to insects not dying till -their eggs are all matured, with what has been -stated in <a href="#Page_31">page 31</a> of a single sexual union serving -to impregnate all the eggs laid for the two -succeeding years, it would appear that the period -of her existence could not, in general, be less than -two years; and <span class="smcap">Huber</span> has proved very satisfactorily, -that this is the fact: indeed he states that -he has known a queen live for five years. <span class="smcap">Feburier</span> -suspects that, like the males, the queens -are destroyed by the labourers, when they have -fulfilled their destination. The only ground of this -opinion, however, appears to be his having witnessed -an attack made upon a queen by six -labourers, from whom he with difficulty rescued -her. <span class="smcap">Messrs. Kirby</span> and <span class="smcap">Spence</span>, in like manner, -seem to think it not improbable that when the -workers become too old to be useful to the community, -they are either killed or expelled the -society. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#Page_7">page 7</a>. Reaumur also throws out -a hint to the same purpose.</p> - -<p>The length of a working bee’s life has not yet -been ascertained; but the general opinion is that -it is short-lived. <span class="smcap">Butler</span> says that “the bee is -but little more than a year’s bird;” and some think -the period of its existence shorter still. “The -bees of the present year,” says <span class="smcap">Butler</span>, “will -retain their vigour and youthful appearance till -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">- 301 -</a></span> -(Gemini), about the 21st of May in the following -year, when they begin to decline, and from -(Cancer to Leo) June 21st to August 21st, the -ground in front of the apiary may be seen strewed -with them, some dead, some dying, and a few -alive but incapable of rising again, and by (Libra) -32d September, scarcely an old bee will be left.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">- 302 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII">CHAPTER XXXII.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">SENSES OF BEES.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">I</span>n</span> considering the phænomena of insect sensation, -little advantage can be derived from analogy; the -physiology of the senses of bees, and other insects, -is therefore but imperfectly understood. Still -they must have credit for the <i>possession</i> of senses, -however differently modified from those of man. -Some of their senses may open avenues to knowledge, -with which he must ever remain unacquainted. -Arts which he is obliged to attain -by long labour and great diligence, they seem to -derive from nature, through the medium no doubt -of organs so exquisitely fine, as to elude not only -his search, but even his conception.</p> - -<p>Of all the senses of bees, none appears to be so -acute, as that of <span class="smcap">Smell</span>. It is this which, in all -probability, enables them to distinguish, not only individuals -of their own species, but one human being -from another; and also to discover honey-dews -and honey-bearing flowers, at a very considerable -distance; (honey of all odorous substances, being -the most attractive to them:) it may tend likewise -to cause that neatness which they observe in -themselves and in their habitations. An experiment, -made by <span class="smcap">Huber</span>, demonstrates that they -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">- 303 -</a></span> -possess the faculty of smell. He placed vessels -of honey in boxes perforated with very small -holes, to allow the odorous effluvia to escape, but -not of sufficient size to permit a sight of the honey, -when the bees came directly to the boxes. He -also tried this experiment with the addition of -small card valves, which the bees, after examining -the boxes all round, contrived to raise up, that -they might get at the honey. <span class="smcap">Mr. Hunter</span> states, -that he has seen great commotion produced in -a recent swarm in wet weather, when he supposes -the bees to have been hungry, by placing -honey on the floor of the hive. It was a glass-hive, -which afforded him a good opportunity of -observing their proceedings, and he says that all -of them appeared to be upon the scent: even those -that were weak and hardly able to crawl, threw -out the proboscis as far as possible, to get at the -honey, which he thinks must have arisen from their -smelling and not from their seeing it.</p> - -<p>This presumed nicety of their smell should induce -a carefulness that no offensive odours be -near an apiary. The notorious frequenting, by -bees, of the depositories of urine and the dung of -animals, might seem to render such carefulness -futile: but upon this subject I have written in a -former chapter, and have since had the pleasure -of seeing my opinion confirmed by that of <span class="smcap">Messrs. -Kirby</span> and <span class="smcap">Spence</span>.—Bees appear to have an -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">- 304 -</a></span> -antipathy to particular individuals. Their aversion, -in all probability, arises from the persons -disliked having some peculiar odour about them, -which though not unpleasant to man, may be so -to bees. Whatever the odour, it seems to be -transmitted by the breath: <span class="smcap">Huber</span> was of this -opinion. Speaking of the impunity with which his -assistant <i>Francis Burnens</i> performed his various -operations upon bees, he observes that “the gentleness -of his motions, and the habit of repressing -his respiration, could alone preserve him from the -wrath of such formidable insects.”</p> - -<p>The different reception which persons experience -on approaching the domicile of bees is attributed -by some apiarians to the different degrees -of confidence manifested in the approach: they are -of opinion, that if visitors could avoid the exhibition -of all apprehension, they would not be -attacked. My own experience has long convinced -me of the erroneousness of this opinion: and a -circumstance which occurred to <span class="smcap">Monsieur de -Hofer</span>, <i>Conseilleur d’etat du</i> <span class="smcap">Grand Duc de -Baden</span>, strengthens my dissent from it. He had -for years been a proprietor and an admirer of bees, -and almost rivalled Wildman in the power he -possessed of approaching them with impunity: he -would at any time search for the queen, and taking -hold of her gently, place her upon his hand. But -having been unfortunately attacked with a violent -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">- 305 -</a></span> -fever, and long confined by it; on his recovery he -attempted to resume his favourite amusement -among the bees, returning to them with all that -confidence and pleasure which he had felt on -former occasions; when to his great surprise and -disappointment he discovered that he was no -longer in possession of their favour; and that instead -of being received by them as an old friend, -he was treated as a trespasser: nor was he ever -able, after this period, to perform any operation -upon them, or to approach within their precincts, -without exciting their anger. Here then it is -pretty evident that some change had taken place -in the Counsellor’s secretions, in consequence of the -fever, which though not noticeable by his friends, -was offensive to the olfactory nerves of the bees. -I had this anecdote from Monsieur de Hofer’s son, -with whom I passed a very agreeable evening in -London at the house of my friend Joseph Hodgetts, -Esq.</p> - -<p>The extreme sensitiveness of smell in bees is -evinced by their promptitude in resenting an -injury inflicted on any of their community. In -hiving, or performing any other operation upon -them, great caution should therefore be observed, -lest any of them be trodden upon or crushed to -death. It may be thought that this promptitude -to resent the injury I have here mentioned, may -not proceed from the acuteness of their smell, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">- 306 -</a></span> -but from an effect produced upon some other -organ of sense. I infer that it proceeds from the -former, on account of their being so quickly -roused to anger from a state of tranquillity, by -having a fresh envenomed sting and its appendages -presented before the entrance of their dwelling. -This experiment, of presenting fresh poison to the -bees, was tried by <span class="smcap">Huber</span> in such a variety of -ways, as to prove beyond all doubt that it was -the penetrating odour of the poison only, and not -the manner of presenting it, that affected them; -for when the poison had coagulated, the same -mode of presentation produced no sensible effect, -it might be offered them with perfect impunity.</p> - -<p>Butterflies and Moths are supposed to be -directed by this sense to the discovery of their -mates. If the female of the eggar moth (<i>Phalæna -quercus</i>) be inclosed in a box, and placed in the -neighbourhood of the males, they are attracted to -the spot in such numbers as to show clearly that -they are sensible of her presence. We have -analogous instances of the existence of this faculty -in other insects. The flesh-fly (<i>Musca vomitoria</i>) -occasionally deposits its eggs on plants of the -Stapelia genus, no doubt from their odour resembling -that of putrefying flesh. This may be -regarded by some as an evidence of mistaken instinct; -but from what I have said in the chapter -on Instinct, I think that my readers will consider -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">- 307 -</a></span> -this to be erroneous, and that it should rather be -regarded as affording presumptive evidence of -mistaken judgement. Instinct would direct the -creature to deposit its eggs where the larvæ when -hatched would be furnished with the means of -subsistence, instead of thus exposing them to -perish. At all events it affords tolerably good -evidence of the existence of an organ of smell in -the insect.</p> - -<p>The sense of <span class="smcap">Touch</span> in bees, that is their <i>active</i> -or <i>exploring touch</i>, seems to be very acute. To the -nicety of this sense has been attributed their power -of commencing and carrying on their works amid -the darkness of the hives. The recognition of their -queen evinces the existence of some such sense; -for the experiments related at <a href="#Page_292">page 292</a>, indicate -that her presence is not ascertained either by the -organs of sight, hearing, or smell.</p> - -<p>The <span class="smcap">Antennæ</span> have generally been considered -as their organs of touch; and indeed, in popular -language, they are usually called Feelers or horns; -they have likewise assigned to them the office of -wiping and cleaning the eyes. The antennæ, however, -are not regarded as feelers by our leading -entomologists: at present their uses are not clearly -defined. Some have regarded them as organs of -smell; others as organs of hearing; a third party -have conceived that they perform some function -of which man has no definite idea,—supplying the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">- 308 -</a></span> -insect with a sixth sense, an intermediate faculty, -according to <span class="smcap">Messrs. Kirby</span> and <span class="smcap">Spence</span>, between -hearing and touch, rendering it sensible of the -slightest movement of the circumambient air. -<span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span> designates the antennæ as their sight-supplying -sense;</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“The same keen horns, within the dark abode.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Trace, for the sightless throng, a ready road,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">While all the mazy threads of touch convey,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Shot inward to the mind, a semblant day.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>The antennæ, of which there are only a single -pair, proceed from the anterior part of the head -before the eyes.</p> - -<p>The <span class="smcap">Palpi</span> are generally considered as the true -feelers; which, as well from their texture as from -the manner in which insects apply them to their -food before they begin to eat it, seems probable: -Cuvier and Lehmann were of this opinion. The -palpi are attached to the under jaws and lips, and -are four in number. In some respects they -bear analogy to the antennæ; but the latter, -being more articulated, have an extended power -of motion. Some insects with small antennæ -are observed to have very large palpi, which -gives reason to suppose, that although their offices -may be different, they are intended to assist -each other.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">- 309 -</a></span></p> - -<p>The antennæ appear to be the more important -organs of the two; as the palpi, when removed, -have not been found to occasion much apparent -inconvenience; whilst from the experiments of -<span class="smcap">Huber</span> and others, it appears that the excision of -the antenna deprives the insect of the perfect -exercise of its functions. It seems immediately -to lose its instincts. The amputation of one -antenna produces no effect; but if both be cut off -near the root, the bee no longer possesses the power -of guiding itself; it cannot direct its tongue to -receive food from its companions, nor take any -share in the operations of the family; but exhibits -perfect indifference, and keeps near the entrance, -apparently for the sake of light; when that is -withdrawn, it soon leaves the hive to return no -more. “Their departure,” says <span class="smcap">Huber</span>, “must -be ascribed to the loss of that sense, which is employed -to guide them in the dark.”</p> - -<p>That bees possess a fine sense of <span class="smcap">Taste</span>, may -be readily conceived from the delicious food which -they collect, and from their having a preference -for those flowers that afford the best honey, whenever -such flowers grow abundantly in the neighbourhood -of the hives. Hence the superiority of -the honey of Narbonne, Hymettus, and Pontus. -<span class="smcap">Huber</span> regards Taste as the least perfect of the -senses of bees, but the reasons he gives for this -opinion are unsatisfactory. Indeed the tongue of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">- 310 -</a></span> -the bee is an organ so considerably developed, as -to afford very strong evidence of its power of -discrimination in the selection of food. <span class="smcap">Cuvier</span> -considers it to be one of the primary functions of -its organization.</p> - -<p>There is tolerably good presumptive evidence -that bees have a quick sense of <span class="smcap">Hearing</span>, from -their being so sensibly affected by different sounds. -The voice of the queen, for instance, has according -to <span class="smcap">Bonner</span> and <span class="smcap">Huber</span> an almost magical effect -upon them; and the practice of making some -sort of noise at the time of hiving is founded upon -this opinion. <span class="smcap">Huber</span> is of opinion that if bees do -possess the sense of hearing it is differently modified -from the same sense among beings of a higher -order. The consequences which ensue upon the -production of certain sounds either by themselves -or others, show that the vibrations of the air -make an impression upon some sense: <span class="smcap">Huber</span>, for -reasons which he does not well define, designates -it as a sense analogous to hearing, a something -acting in concert with and in aid of the antennæ.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Linnæus</span> and <span class="smcap">Bonnet</span> thought that insects do -not possess the sense of hearing; but I think they -were mistaken. I have just stated the effect -produced by the voice of a queen-bee, under particular -circumstances; and there are other evidences, -equally strong, to show that insects possess -this faculty. One grasshopper will chirp in response -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">- 311 -</a></span> -to another, and the female be attracted by -the voice of the male. <span class="smcap">Brunelli</span> shut up a male -in a box, and allowed the female her liberty: as -soon as the male chirped she flew to him immediately. -For further evidence of the existence of -this faculty in insects, see <a href="#Page_262">page 262</a>. (Organs of -Sensation.)</p> - -<p>The <span class="smcap">Eye-Sight</span> of bees, notwithstanding the -wonderful mechanism of their eyes, seems less -perfect than their other senses: on some occasions -it scarcely serves them to distinguish the entrance -of their hives, when they come home loaded with -provision. <span class="smcap">Wildman</span> says that he has observed -them go up and down, seeking the door of the -hive, and be obliged after alighting to rise again -in order to find it: he conceived that they see -better when flying than when on foot. I believe, -however, that this opinion of <span class="smcap">Wildman</span> will not, -upon examination, be found quite correct. The -mere act of flying does not enable them to see -objects better; but when on the wing, they are at -a greater distance from those objects, the eyes of -these insects being so constructed as to enable -them to see best at a moderate distance. As <span class="smcap">Dr. -Evans</span> has justly remarked, therefore, “the poet’s -disdainful allusion to a</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i1">Fly whose feeble ray scarce spreads<br /></span> -<span class="i1">An inch around——<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p class="p0">should here be exactly reversed.” <span class="smcap">Dr. Derham -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">- 312 -</a></span></span> in -his Physico-theology has observed, when speaking -of the eye of the bee and other insects, that “the -cornea and optic nerves, being always at one and -the same distance, are fitted only to see distantial -objects, but not such as are very nigh.” This -visual orb, this seemingly simple speck, though -really complicated piece of mechanism, says <span class="smcap">Derham</span>, -"will be found upon examination to form a -curious lattice-work of several thousand hexagonal -lenses, each having a separate optic nerve ministering -to it, and therefore to be considered as a -distinct eye<a name="FNanchor_20" id="FNanchor_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20" class="fnanchor">[T]</a>. <span class="smcap">M. Leewenhoeck</span>, having properly -prepared and placed an eye of this kind betwixt -his microscope and a church steeple (299 feet -high and 750 distant), saw plainly the steeple inverted, -through every different lens, though each -lens was not larger than a needle’s point. Yet, -doubtless the insect perceives but a single object, -and that in an upright position. The hemispheric -arrangement of these lenses enables the bee to see -accurately in every direction, and without any -interval of time or trouble.”</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_20" id="Footnote_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20"><span class="label">[T]</span></a> The multitude of hexagonal lenses which compose the -eye of a bee, make it appear, when viewed through a microscope, -exactly like honey-comb.</p></div> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Not huge Behemoth, not the Whale’s vast form.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">That spouts a torrent, and that breathes a storm.<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">- 313 -</a></span> -<span class="i1">Transcends in organs apt this puny fly,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Her fine-strung feelers, and her glanceful eye,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Set with ten thousand lenses.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>The eyes of all insects are immoveable, and -have neither iris nor pupil nor eyelids to cover -them: but this apparent defect is amply made up -to them in a variety of ways: in the case before -us, by the complex structure of the organs. -<span class="smcap">Reaumur</span> performed an experiment similar to that -which I have just related of <span class="smcap">Leewenhoeck</span>, and -with a like result, <span class="smcap">Hooke</span> computed the lenses -in the eye of a horse-fly to amount to nearly 7000. -<span class="smcap">Leewenhoeck</span> found more than 12,000 in that -of a dragon-fly; and 17,325 have been counted in -the eye of a butterfly. The lenses are most -numerous in the beetle, and so small as not to be -easily discoverable under a pocket microscope, -except the eye be turned white by long keeping.</p> - -<p>The peculiar construction of the bee’s eye, for -seeing objects best at a moderate distance, will -account for the circumstance noticed by <span class="smcap">Wildman</span>, -and also for the following observation of <span class="smcap">Dr. -Evans</span>. “We frequently observe bees flying -straight homewards through the trackless air, as -if in full view of the hive, then running their heads -against it, and seeming to <i>feel</i> their way to the -door with their antennæ, as if totally blind.” <span class="smcap">Sir -C. S. Mackenzie</span> remarked the imperfect vision -of bees, and how very much puzzled they are to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">- 314 -</a></span> -find the entrances to their hives, if the relative -position of the entrances be altered, or the hives -be removed two or three yards from the place -where they have usually stood. In cases of removal, -the bees do not during the first day fly to -a distance, nor till they have visited and recognized -neighbouring objects. <span class="smcap">Mr. Rogers</span>, in his “Pleasures -of Memory,” has noticed this defective -vision in the bee. Having spoken of her excursive -flights to a distance, and referred to her bending -her course homewards again, he observes,</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i8">“That eye so finely wrought.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Beyond the search of sense, the soar of thought.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Now vainly asks the scenes she left behind;<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Its orb so full, its vision so confined!”<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>And he concludes that it is by the aid of memory -that she retraces her passage back to the hive, by -recognizing the scents of the various flowers -which she has passed or visited on her outward -journey,—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“The varied scents that charm’d her as she flew.”<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>But this idea, as Messrs. Kirby and Spence have -observed, is more poetical than accurate, the bees -being always accustomed to fly to their hives in -right lines.</p> - -<p>In consequence of this peculiarity of insect -vision, many of those bees that return homewards -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">- 315 -</a></span> -after dusk in the evening, are obliged to lie abroad -all night. The same peculiarity, added to the -acuteness of their smell, has given birth to various -contrivances for inducing bees of different hives -to mingle peaceably together, as mentioned at -<a href="#Page_154">page 154</a>.</p> - -<p>From the experiments of Swammerdam, Reaumur, -Hooke and others, it seems that bees and other -insects, particularly those of the hymenopterous -order, possess organs of vision, besides those which -are properly called their eyes. These organs, -known by the name of <span class="smcap">Stemmata</span>, are three smooth, -glossy, hemispherical dots, placed in a triangular -position upon the vertex or top of the head. The -two reticular eyes of one of these insects having -been covered with fluid pitch, (the stemmata being -left open,) when placed under a glass, the insect -ran up and down, but without striking against the -sides of the glass. In a similar experiment upon -a dragon-fly (<i>Libellula</i>), the insect flew away, -but in its flight struck against walls and other -objects. The stemmata in another insect being -covered, and the reticular eyes left open, seemed -to cause no impediment to its usual proceedings, -it appeared to see as well as before. But when -both the stemmata and the eyes were covered, -the insect seemed to be totally deprived of sight, -it walked slowly under the glass, and when allowed -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">- 316 -</a></span> -its liberty, would not venture to fly. These experiments -being tried upon bees by Reaumur, -they remained immoveable, appearing uncertain -where to direct their flight: when their eyes only -were covered, they flew perpendicularly upwards -till they were out of sight, seeming to follow that -direction which the aid of the stemmata afforded -them. These stemmata may, from their situation, -assist the insect in performing its various operations -in the interior of the hive; may, as Reaumur -has observed, answer to them the purpose of -microscopes.</p> - -<p>I cannot conclude this chapter on the Senses -of Bees without noticing the theory of that eminent -physiologist <span class="smcap">Dr. Virey</span>. He has given it as his -opinion, that there are seven senses, which he thus -divides. Four physical, namely, Touch, Taste, -Smell, and Love; three intellectual, namely. -Hearing, Sight, and Thought. (<i>N. Dict. d’Hist. -Nat.</i>) Whether Love and Thought should be -added to my enumeration of the senses of bees -I shall not now inquire: if they may be, this work -will supply abundant evidence of both, if we comprehend -the whole community of bees; for though -physical love appears not to constitute any part -of the pleasure of the working bee, (except from -some accidental cause which has been already -explained,) there is presumptive proof of its -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">- 317 -</a></span> -possessing thought or intellect: and although it -may not be easy to adduce testimony in favour -of the queen’s or the drone’s possessing thought, -they both satisfactorily evince a susceptibility of -physical love.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">- 318 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII">CHAPTER XXXIII.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">INSTINCTS OF BEES.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">A</span>ll</span> creatures, of whatever size, that live together -in large communities, have long been observed to -display more knowledge and ingenuity than those -that do not congregate: this superiority is also -supposed to distinguish those which possess the -most exquisite sense of touch, and whose occupations -require a continued exertion of their powers. -The insect tribe strongly confirm the truth of -these remarks.</p> - -<p>Solitary insects may exhibit a single trait of -superiority, either in the catching of their prey, -as the spider does; or in the securing of a well -protected habitation, as is instanced by the carpenter -bee, the mason bee, and some other lone -and non-associating insects: but the history of -those which unite in societies unfolds more of -insect energy and talent. In large communities a -combination of exertions is requisite, to procure -supplies for the general weal; an intercourse of -mutual intelligence is kept up; labour is regularly -divided; the sphere of action is extended; and in -cases of emergency, there is an unusual manifestation -of insect power and intelligence. Instances of -all these faculties are eminently conspicuous in -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">- 319 -</a></span> -the honey-bee;—some of them I have before noticed, -and shall now advert to a few more.</p> - -<p>The mental powers of bees, if I may be allowed -to use the term, have been included, by some -writers under the general name of Instinct<a name="FNanchor_21" id="FNanchor_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21" class="fnanchor">[U]</a>; -others, considering the whole of their proceedings -to be fraught with intelligence, have regarded -them as evidences of a reasoning power. <i>All</i> the -phænomena of insect life cannot I presume be explained -without giving them credit for both.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_21" id="Footnote_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21"><span class="label">[U]</span></a> Huber has observed that the instinct of the humble-bee -is still more <i>refined</i> than that of the honey-bee. As an -instance of this, he states that the former when unable to -penetrate a flower through its natural cavity, makes an aperture -at the base of the corolla, or even of the calyx, and insinuates -its proboscis into the reservoir of honey, through -the opening it has made.</p></div> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Deem not, vain mortal, that reserv’d for thee<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Hangs all the ripening fruit on reason’s tree;<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Even these, the tiniest tenants of thy care,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Claim of that reason, their apportion’d share:<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Witness yon slaughter’d snail, within their door,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Tomb’d like the first bold Greek on Ilion’s shore.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>A snail having crept into one of <i>M. Reaumur’s</i> -hives early in the morning, after crawling about for -some time, adhered by means of its own slime to -one of the glass panes, where, but for the bees, -it would probably have remained, till either a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">- 320 -</a></span> -moist air or its own spume had loosened the adhesion. -The bees having discovered the snail, -immediately surrounded it, and formed a border -of propolis round the verge of its shell, which -was, at last, so securely fixed to the glass, as to -become immoveable, either by the moisture of the -air from without, or by the snail’s secretion from -within.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Nor aught avails that in his torpid veins,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Year after year, life’s loitering spark remains<a name="FNanchor_22" id="FNanchor_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22" class="fnanchor">[V]</a>:<br /></span> -<span class="i1">For ever clos’d the impenetrable door,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">He sinks on death’s cold arm to rise no more.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_22" id="Footnote_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22"><span class="label">[V]</span></a> In the Annual Register for 1775 some very extraordinary -instances are related of the protraction of life in snails. After -they had lain in a cabinet above fifteen years, immersing -them in water caused them to revive and crawl out of their -shells.</p></div> - -<p><i>Maraldi</i> has related a somewhat similar instance. -A houseless snail or slug, as it is called, -had entered one of his hives: the bees, as soon as -they observed it, pierced it with their stings, till -it expired beneath their repeated strokes; after -which, being unable to dislodge it, they covered -it all over with propolis.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“For, soon in fearless ire, their wonder lost.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Spring fiercely from the comb th’ indignant host.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Lay the pierc’d monster breathless on the ground,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And clap, in joy, their victor pinions round.<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">- 321 -</a></span> -<span class="i1">While all in vain concurrent numbers strive,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">To heave the slime-girt giant from the hive,—<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Sure not alone by force instinctive sway’d,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">But blest with reason’s soul-directing aid,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Alike in man or bee, they haste to pour,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Thick hardening as it falls, the flaky shower;<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Embalm’d in shroud of glue the mummy lies,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">No worms invade, no foul miasmas rise.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>In these two cases, who can withhold his admiration -of the ingenuity and judgement of the bees? -<i>In the first case</i>, a troublesome creature gained -admission into the hive, which, from its unwieldiness, -they could not remove, and which, from the -impenetrability of its shell, they could not destroy: -here then their only resource was to deprive -it of loco-motion, and to obviate putrefaction; -both which objects they accomplished most skilfully -and securely,—and, as is usual with these -sagacious creatures, at the least possible expense -of labour and materials. They applied their -cement, where alone it was required, namely, -round the verge of the shell. <i>In the latter case</i>, -to obviate the evil of putrescence, by the total -exclusion of air, they were obliged to be more -lavish in the use of their embalming material, and -to form with it so complete an incrustation or -case over the “slime-girt giant,” as to guard them -from the consequences which the atmosphere invariably -produces upon all animal substances, -that are exposed to its action after life has become -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">- 322 -</a></span> -extinct. May it not be asked, What means -more effectual could human wisdom have devised, -under similar circumstances? Indeed, many of -the proceedings of bees and other associated insects -seem traceable to a reasoning power; for -they exhibit an adaptation of means to ends, -and vary them to suit particular emergencies,—the -judicious performance of actions with a view to -some proposed end, is the criterion by which we -judge of rationality.</p> - -<p>On the other hand, the difficulty of ascribing -some of their actions to any other principle than -that which is known by the name of <i>Instinct</i>, has -led to a classification of the whole of their proceedings -under <i>that</i> head.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Instinct</span> is a faculty the exercise of which implies -an exquisitely fine mechanism of some of the -senses. It appears to operate independently of -all anticipation of consequences; the avenues to -knowledge are, to be sure, less circuitous in these -and other animals than in man, neither experience -nor inductive reasoning seem to be at all essential -to the perfection of their operations; they may be -said to have, what many an indolent human being -has wished to find,—a royal road to knowledge.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“If in the Insect, Reason’s twilight ray<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Sheds on the darkling mind a doubtful day.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Plain is the steady light her <i>Instincts</i> yield.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">To point the road o’er life’s unvaried field;<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">- 323 -</a></span> -<span class="i1">If few those Instincts, to the destin’d goal,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">With surer course, their straiten’d currents roll.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>One writer, and that a very ingenious one, has -endeavoured to resolve <i>all</i> instincts into reason, -and has boldly hazarded the following conjecture. -"If we were better acquainted with the histories -of those insects that are formed into societies,—as -the bees, wasps and ants,—we should find that -their arts and improvements are not so similar and -uniform as they now appear to us, but that they -arose in the same manner (from experience and tradition) -as the arts of our own species; though their -reasoning is from few ideas, is busied about fewer -objects, and is exerted with less energy<a name="FNanchor_23" id="FNanchor_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23" class="fnanchor">[W]</a>.”</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_23" id="Footnote_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23"><span class="label">[W]</span></a> Darwin.</p></div> - -<p>Since the Doctor wrote this passage, much light -has been thrown upon those very subjects on -which he laments our defective knowledge: but -whilst it strengthens what I have said as to the -possession of reason by insects, it confirms my -observations respecting their instinctive powers.</p> - -<p>There are facts recorded, in <span class="smcap">Huber’s</span> <i>researches -respecting ants</i>, which exhibit in some at least -of those insects, (<i>the Amazons</i>,) a power of acquiring -habits and characters which cannot well -be regarded as merely instinctive. The Amazons -take advantage of an improvement in their condition, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">- 324 -</a></span> -and avail themselves of that strength, -which sometimes accrues to them, in consequence -of a large accession to their numbers. To relieve -themselves from labour, they enslave, by a <i>coup -de main</i>, a feeble colony of ants of another species, -and transporting it to their own domicile, impose -upon the captives the task of collecting provision, -rearing the young, repairing the formicary, -&c. &c. The Amazons become a complete aristocracy, -and like ladies and gentlemen, have servants -to wait upon them.</p> - -<p>I shall not attempt to determine the point where -intellect begins to dawn, nor to assign the boundary -where instinct assumes the characteristics of -reason. For it is no where more difficult to discriminate -between the regular operation of implanted -motives, and the result of acquired knowledge -and habits, than in studying the phænomena -presented by the bee. For the present therefore -I must be allowed to regard the provinces of reason -and instinct as undefinable; indeed it seems -highly probable that our limited faculties may never -enable us to acquire a knowledge of them. Still -the facts which I have related, and those which I -shall proceed to detail, afford such apparently strong -evidences of a reasoning faculty, that without introducing -that faculty as their source, I shall be -at a loss to explain the phænomena. <span class="smcap">Dr. Darwin</span> -in his <i>Zoonomia</i>, relates an anecdote of apparent ratiocination -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">- 325 -</a></span> -in a <i>wasp</i>, which had caught a fly nearly -as large as itself. Kneeling down, the Doctor -saw the wasp dissever the head and tail from the -trunk of the fly, and attempt to soar with the -latter: but finding when about two feet from the -ground that the wings of the fly carried too much -sail, and caused its prize and itself to be whirled -about, by a little breeze that had arisen, it dropped -upon the ground with its prey, and deliberately -sawed off with its mandibles, first one wing -and then the other: having thus removed these -impediments to its progress, the wasp flew away -with its booty, and experienced no further molestation -from the wind.</p> - -<p>Some of the proceedings of bees in glass hives -cannot be referred to their instinctive faculties,—glass -being a substance which would never be -presented to them in their natural state. “Having -frequently observed,” says <span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span>, “on the -inside of my glass hives, prior to the formation of -cells, a number of gluey spots ranged at regular -distances, I supposed them at first to be intended -as a kind of land-marks, pointing out the divisions -of the future streets, &c. On re-examination, -however, I found them evidently used as so many -footstools on the slippery glass, each bee resting -on one of these with its middle pair of legs, while -the fore-claws were hooked with the hind ones of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">- 326 -</a></span> -the next above; thus forming a <i>living</i> ladder, by -which the workers were enabled to reach the top, -and pursue their favourite plan of commencing -their combs there.”</p> - -<p>A very striking illustration of the reasoning -power of bees occurred to my friend <span class="smcap">Mr. Walond</span>. -Inspecting his bee-boxes at the end of October -1817, he perceived that a centre comb, burthened -with honey, had separated from its attachments, -and was leaning against another comb, so as to -prevent the passage of the bees between them. -This accident excited great activity in the colony, -but its nature could not be ascertained at the time. -At the end of a week, the weather being cold and -the bees clustered together, Mr. W. observed, -through the window of the box, that they had -constructed two horizontal pillars betwixt the -combs alluded to, and had removed so much of -the honey and wax from the top of each, as to -allow the passage of a bee: in about ten days -more there was an uninterrupted thoroughfare; -the detached comb at its upper part had been -secured by a strong barrier and fastened to the -window with the spare wax. This being accomplished, -the bees removed the horizontal pillars -first constructed, as being of no further use. -“During this laborious process,” says Mr. W. -"the glass window in the box was as warm as I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">- 327 -</a></span> -had felt it during any part of the summer, and -the bees were as active within the box.”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">M. P. Huber</span> of Lausanne, in his <i>Observations -on Humble-bees</i>, published in the sixth volume of -the Linnæan Transactions, has given a curious -detail of some experiments in which the bees conducted -themselves somewhat similarly to those of -Mr. Walond. Having inclosed twelve humble-bees -in a bell-glass, upon a table, he gave them -a part of their cones or chrysalids, containing -about ten silken cocoons, and freeing the latter as -much as possible from wax, he fed the bees for -some days with pollen only. The cells containing -the cones being very unequal, the mass was -so unsteady as extremely to disquiet the bees. -Their affection for their young led them to mount -upon the cocoons, to impart warmth to the inclosed -larvæ: they could not do this without -causing the comb to totter or lean on one side, and -having no wax for fastening the work to the table, -they had recourse to the following ingenious expedient. -Two or three bees got upon the comb, -and descending to the lower edge of it, with their -heads downwards, hung from it by the hooks of -their hind feet, and clung to the table by those of -the second pair, which are very long; thus did -they keep this piece of cell-work steady by their -own muscular strength. When fatigued by this -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">- 328 -</a></span> -constrained and irksome position, they were relieved -by their comrades; even the queen assisted. -Having kept the bees in this state till nearly the -end of the third day, and shown them to several -persons, Huber introduced some honey, to enable -them to form wax: they soon constructed pillars, -extending from the most projecting parts of the -cell-work to the table, and kept the cell-work -in a firm position. The wax, however, getting -gradually dry, the pillars gave way; when the poor -insects adopted their former straining expedient -for steadying the comb, and continued, perseveringly, -to sustain it in this manner, till Huber took -pity on them and glued the cake of comb firmly -to the table. Could the most intelligent architect -have more judiciously propped a tottering edifice, -till adequate supports could be applied?</p> - -<p>The resources of bees, when attacked by the -<i>Sphinx Atropos</i> or <i>Death’s-head Hawk-moth</i> are -much in point. In this case, according to <span class="smcap">Huber</span>, -they construct small archways and various other -ingenious barricadoes, with a mixture of wax and -propolis, so as just to allow the egress and ingress -of one or two workers, and effectually to exclude -their marauding enemy. The bees do not, as if -guided by mere instinct, commence their fortifications -on the first attack of the Sphinx, nor until -they have been robbed of nearly their whole stock -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">- 329 -</a></span> -of honey. This therefore seems to be a case in -which reason is taught by experience, and which -admits in all its particulars of a direct comparison -with human reason and human contrivance. -Moreover, on the cessation of danger, and when -honey-flowers were abundant, the colony prosperous -and swarms prepared to issue, these sagacious -engineers demolished the fortifications, in -order to give room for the exit and entrance of -the bees. A colony that had been thus attacked -in 1804, and was tardy in its defensive preparations, -having derived instruction from the past, -constructed fresh ramparts speedily, on the reappearance -of the Sphinx in 1807, and thus guarded -itself from impending danger.</p> - -<p>From what has been said in <a href="#Page_296">page 296</a>, it seems -probable that the lives of the working bees do not -extend beyond a year, at the utmost: if therefore -my inference be legitimate, the information of the -colony of 1807 must have been traditional, or -else derived from a queen which had reigned over -them from 1804. On the subject of traditional -information, see Memory of Bees. It is further -remarkable, as a confirmation of this process of -ratiocination and reflection, that if the apiarian -apply proper guards before the entrances to the -hives, when the Sphinx makes its appearance, the -bees, finding that they are anticipated, devise no -measures of security.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">- 330 -</a></span></p> - -<p>I shall adduce another instance in support of -my position that insects are endowed with reason, -and that they mutually communicate and receive -information. "<i>A German artist</i> of strict veracity, -states, that in his journey through Italy, he was -an eye-witness to the following occurrence. He -observed a species of <i>Scarabæus</i> busily engaged, -in making for the reception of its egg a pellet of -dung, which when finished, the insect rolled to the -summit of a hillock, and repeatedly suffered it to -tumble down the slope, apparently for the purpose -of consolidating the pellet by the adhesion of -earth to it in its rotating motion. During this process, -the pellet unluckily fell into a hole, out of -which the beetle was unable to extricate it. After -several ineffectual attempts, the insect went to an -adjoining heap of dung, and soon returned with -three companions. All four applied their united -strength to the pellet, and at length succeeded in -pushing it out, when the three assistant beetles -left the spot, and returned to their own quarters<a name="FNanchor_24" id="FNanchor_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24" class="fnanchor">[X]</a>.”</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_24" id="Footnote_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24"><span class="label">[X]</span></a> Kirby and Spence, vol. ii. p. 522.</p></div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mr. Hunter</span> speaks rather sarcastically, upon -the subject of reason being one of the attributes -of insects. “Reason,” says he, “has been ascribed -to bees; they have been supposed to be legislators, -and even mathematicians; and though there is -some show of reason for these suppositions, there is -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">- 331 -</a></span> -much more of imagination.” To show how far -the excursive fancy of apiarians had sometimes -carried them, Mr. H. selected a very unfortunate -instance, namely, the assertion, as he calls it, that -workers’ eggs may be converted into queens,—a -fact which has since been established by a series -of the most satisfactory experiments. <span class="smcap">Dr. Virey</span>, -in his <i>Nouvelle Dictionnaire d’Histoire Naturelle</i>, -denies that insects possess any portion of intellect, -and attributes all their operations to mere instinct, -which he considers as the result of pure mechanism, -depending upon the construction of their -nervous systems, in the same manner as the tune -played upon a barrel organ, is dependent on the -notes which the cylinder successively presents to -its keys. <span class="smcap">Des Cartes</span>, and others before him, -held a similar opinion, considering insects as being -simply susceptible of external impressions, and -through the medium of that susceptibility stimulated -to act. If this doctrine be correct, instinct -is possessed alike by animals and vegetables; in -short by every thing that has life, the difference -being not in quality, but in quantity.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Buffon</span> attempted to explain the phænomena -of insect life by the simple laws of mechanism, -conceding to the insects at the same time a power -of distinguishing and choosing between pleasure -and pain. Some have even ventured to assert -that the invariable exactness of the cell-work -of bees is a proof of their stupidity, and “that -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">- 332 -</a></span> -the wonders of the honey’d reign,” no more bespeak -the agency of mind or intellect, than the -configuration of salts into their respective crystals.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Shall then proud sophists arrogant and vain.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Spurn all the wonders of the honey’d reign.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And bid alike one mindless influence own<br /></span> -<span class="i1">The social bee, and crystallizing stone?<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Each link they trace in animation’s round,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Dashes their poison’d chalice to the ground.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>If this theory respecting insects were just, it -should elucidate all the phenomena which it undertakes -to explain, otherwise it is injurious to -science. Examination will prove it to be a mere -hypothetical opinion, ingenious, and at first sight -plausible, but completely unsatisfactory. This -theory is the natural consequence of denying to -insects any portion of intellect, and its erroneousness -is shown by their capability of instruction. -Instinct itself cannot be a purely mechanical process, -or it would be incapable of modification, and -would, under like circumstances, always act in the -same manner. <span class="smcap">Sir Joseph Banks’s</span> <i>spider</i> that, -on being crippled, changed from a sedentary web-weaver -to a hunter, is an instance of modified instinct<a name="FNanchor_25" id="FNanchor_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25" class="fnanchor">[Y]</a>. -The well known fact that birds build -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">- 333 -</a></span> -their nests differently, where climate and other -circumstances require a variation, is another instance. -A <i>dog</i> may be restrained from obeying -its instincts, by the intimidating recollection of a -beating which it had formerly received; a bee, -if alarmed, will quit the nectary of a flower:—here -the intellect of the creatures <i>counteracts their instincts</i>. -There are other instances in which the -intellect appears to <i>direct the instincts</i>. When the -bee makes excursive flights in quest of pasture, -its senses serve to guide it, and enable it, by the aid -of memory, to retrace its passage home again. At -the conclusion of its outward and homeward journeys, -its instincts immediately begin to operate; in -the one case, teaching it to imbibe nectar, collect -pollen, &c.; in the other, to store and apply those -materials to their respective uses.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_25" id="Footnote_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25"><span class="label">[Y]</span></a> The account of this spider was sent to <i>Dr. Leach</i> by -<i>Sir Joseph Banks</i>. An interesting history of it is given in the -Linnæan Transactions, vol. ii. page 393. It had lost five -of its legs, which were afterwards reproduced, but the new -legs were shorter than those for which they were substituted.</p></div> - -<p><span class="smcap">M. Reimar</span> has denied that the lower animals -possess <i>memory</i>, properly so called; and has given -it as his opinion, that they are only influenced -by past events, in consequence of having present -objects before them,—never by reflection or knowledge -of the past, as being past. But that, with -them, a former impression may be renewed, without -being recollected; that it is thus rendered present -to the imagination, but has no place in the -memory. For arguments and instances in support -of their being endowed with memory, see -<a href="#Page_260">page 260</a>. (Organs of Sensation.)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">- 334 -</a></span></p> - -<p>The possession of the organs of sense implies -the possession of some portion of intellect, for -without intellect those organs would seem incapable -of being employed to the greatest advantage. -“There is this difference,” says <span class="smcap">Mr. -Spence</span>, “between intellect in man, and the rest -of the animal creation. Their intellect teaches -them to follow the lead of their senses, and to -make such use of the external world as their appetites -or instincts incline them to,—and <i>this is -their wisdom:</i> while the intellect of man, being associated -with an immortal principle, and connected -with a world above that which his senses reveal to -him, can, by aid derived from heaven, control those -senses, and render them obedient to the governing -power of his nature; and <i>this is his wisdom</i>.” -A distinction has been made, and very properly, -between wisdom and knowledge. The former -alone can be possessed by the lower animals, man -can possess both. The distinction between them -has been very accurately marked by <span class="smcap">Cowper</span>, -though in making it he has confined himself to -man only.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Knowledge and wisdom, far from being one,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Have oft times no connection. Knowledge dwells<br /></span> -<span class="i1">In heads replete with thoughts of other men,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Wisdom in minds attentive to their own.”<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>It will, I think, be evident to my readers, from -the general tenour of this chapter, that though I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">- 335 -</a></span> -make a distinction between the instinct and the -reason of bees, I do not confound their reason -with the reason of man. But to obviate all possibility -of misconception, I will at once define -my meaning, when I use the terms insect reason -and instinct.</p> - -<p>By <i>reason</i>, I mean the power of making deductions -from previous experience or observation, and, -thereby of adapting means to ends. <i>Instinct</i> I -regard as a disposition and power to perform certain -actions in the same uniform manner, without -reference either to observation or experience. -Those who have attended to this subject, will be -aware that <i>insect reason</i> as above defined, is more -restricted in its functions than <i>the reason of man</i>; -to which is superadded the power of distinguishing -between the true and the false, and, according to -some metaphysicians, between right and wrong. -Reason, in man, has a regular growth, and a slow -progression; all the arts he practises evince skill -and dexterity, proportioned to the pains which -have been taken in acquiring them. In the lower -links of creation, but little of this gradual improvement -is observable; their powers carry them -almost directly to their object. They are perfect, -as <span class="smcap">Bacon</span> says, in all their members and organs -from the very beginning.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Far different Man, to higher fates assign’d.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Unfolds with tardier step his Proteus mind,<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">- 336 -</a></span> -<span class="i1">With numerous Instincts fraught, that lose their force<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Like shallow streams, divided in their course;<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Long weak, and helpless, on the fostering breast,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">In fond dependence leans the infant guest.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Till Reason ripens what young impulse taught.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And builds, on sense, the lofty pile of thought;<br /></span> -<span class="i1">From earth, sea, air, the quick perceptions rise,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And swell the mental fabric to the skies.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>“Every manufacturing art,” says <span class="smcap">Dr. Reid</span>, -“was invented by some one man, successively improved -and perfected by others; and when thus -perfected, known only by those to whom it has -been taught: while in the arts of animals no individual -can claim the invention. Every animal of -the species has equal skill from the beginning, -without teaching, without experience, or habit.”</p> - -<p>“Both Instinct and Reason,” says <span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span>, -"appear to lose their intensity, in proportion as -their rays diverge from their proper focus; and -as they are less frequently aroused to action. A -domesticated fowl is furnished with the same apparatus -as her wild sisters on the waste, for rendering -her feathers impenetrable to water: yet, -living principally under cover, she secretes much -less of the oily fluid, destined for that purpose, -and makes, when accidentally wet, a most ridiculous -appearance. The force of instinctive propensities, -when directed to one object, and uninfluenced -by reason, is strongly exemplified in <i>the -idiot bee-eater of Selborne</i>, mentioned by <span class="smcap">Mr. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">- 337 -</a></span> -White</span>, in his <i>History of Selborne</i>. The collected -powers of reason, when concentred in a single -focus, is no less finely instanced in the immortal -<span class="smcap">Newton</span>.”</p> - -<p>To those readers who have not seen Mr. White’s -account of the bee-eater, the following abstract of -it may prove acceptable.</p> - -<p>The boy was a resident in Selborne, about the -year 1750. He took great notice of bees from his -childhood, and at length used to eat them. In -summer, his few faculties were devoted to the -pursuit of them, through fields and gardens. -During winter, his father’s chimney corner was -his favourite haunt, where he dozed away his time, -in an almost torpid state. Practice made him so -expert, that he could seize honey-bees, humble-bees -or wasps, with his naked hands, disarm them -of their stings, and suck their honey-bags, with -perfect impunity. Sometimes he would store the -bees in bottles, and even in his shirt bosom. He -was the terror of the surrounding bee-keepers, -whose gardens he would enter by stealth, and -rapping on the outsides of their hives, catch the -bees as they came out to see what was the matter. -If in this way he could not obtain a sufficient -number to supply his wants, so passionately fond -was he of honey, that he would sometimes overturn -the hives to get at it. He was accustomed to -hover about the tubs of the mead-makers, to beg -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">- 338 -</a></span> -a draught of bee-wine, as he called it. As he -ran about the fields he made a humming noise -with his lips, resembling that of bees. The lad -was lean in his person, and of a cadaverous unhealthy -aspect: he died before he reached the -age of maturity.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">- 339 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV">CHAPTER XXXIV.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">ON THE ARCHITECTURE OF BEES.</p> - - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Quel abime aux yeux du sage qu’une ruche d’abeilles? -Quel sagesse profonde se cache dans cet abime! Quel -philosophe osera le fonder!”—<span class="smcap">Bonnet.</span></p></div> - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">T</span>he</span> combs of a bee-hive comprise a congeries of -hexagonal cells, formed by the bees, as receptacles -for honey or for embryo bees. A honey-comb -is allowed to be one of the most striking -achievements of insect industry, and an admirable -specimen of insect architecture. It has attracted -the admiration of the contemplative philosopher -in all ages, and awakened speculation not only -in the naturalist, but also in the mathematician: -so regular, so perfect, is the structure of the cells, -that it satisfies every condition of a refined problem -in geometry. Still a review of their proceedings -will lead to the conclusion, as <span class="smcap">Huber</span> has -observed, that “the geometrical relations, which -apparently embellish the productions of bees, are -rather the necessary result of their mode of proceeding, -than the principle by which their labour -is guided.” “We must therefore conclude, that -the bees, although they act geometrically, understand -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">- 340 -</a></span> -neither the rules nor the principles of the -arts which they practise so skilfully, and that -the geometry is not in the bee, but in the great -Geometrician who made the bee, and made all -things in number, weight and measure<a name="FNanchor_26" id="FNanchor_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26" class="fnanchor">[Z]</a>.”</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_26" id="Footnote_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26"><span class="label">[Z]</span></a> Reid.</p></div> - -<p>Before the time of <span class="smcap">Huber</span>, no naturalist had -seen the commencement of the comb, nor traced -the several steps of its progress. After many -attempts, he at length succeeded in attaining the -desired object, by preventing the bees from forming -their usual impenetrable curtain, by suspending -themselves from the top of the hive; in short, -he obliged them to build upwards, and was thereby -enabled, by means of a glass window, to watch -every variation and progressive step in the construction -of comb.</p> - -<p><i>Each comb in a hive is composed of two ranges -of cells backed against each other: these cells</i>, -looking at them as a whole, may be said to <i>have -one common base</i>, though no one cell is opposed -directly to another. This base or partition between -the double row of cells is so disposed as to form -a pyramidal cavity at the bottom of each, as will -be explained presently. <i>The mouths of the cells</i>, -thus ranged on each side of a comb, <i>open into two -parallel streets</i> (there being a continued series of -combs in every well filled hive). These streets -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">- 341 -</a></span> -are sufficiently contracted to avoid waste of room -and to preserve a proper warmth, yet <i>wide enough -to allow the passage of two bees abreast</i>. Apertures -through different parts of the combs are reserved -to form near roads, for crossing from street to -street, whereby much time is saved to the bees.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“These in firm phalanx ply their twinkling feet,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Stretch out the ductile mass, and form the street,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">with many a cross-way path and postern gate.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">That shorten to their range the spreading state.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p><i>The bees</i>, as has been already observed, <i>build -their cells of an hexangular form, having six -equal sides</i>, with the exception of the first or uppermost -row, the shape of which is an irregular pentagon, -the roof of the hive forming one of the -members of the pentagon, thus:</p> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 104px;"> -<img src="images/page341.png" width="104" height="125" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>“There are only three possible figures of the -cells,” says <span class="smcap">Dr. Reid</span>, “which can make them all -equal and similar, without any useless interstices. -These are the equilateral triangle, the square and -the regular hexagon. It is well known to mathematicians -that there is not a fourth way possible, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">- 342 -</a></span> -in which a plane maybe cut into little spaces that -shall be equal, similar, and regular, without leaving -any interstices.” Of these three geometrical -figures, the hexagon most completely unites the -prime requisites for insect architecture. The -truth of this proposition was perceived by <span class="smcap">Pappus</span>, -an eminent Greek philosopher and mathematician, -who lived at Alexandria in the reign of Theodosius -the Great, and its adoption by bees in the -construction of honey-comb was noticed by that -ancient geometrician. These requisites are;</p> - -<p>First, Œconomy of materials. There are no -useless partitions in a honey-comb, each of the -six lateral pannels of one cell forms also one of -the pannels of an adjoining cell; and of the three -rhombs which form the pyramidal base of a cell, -each contributes one-third towards the formation -of the bases of three opposing cells, the bottom or -centre of every cell resting against the point of -union of three pannels that are at the back of it.</p> - -<p>Secondly, Œconomy of room; no interstices -being left between adjoining cells.</p> - -<p>Thirdly, The greatest possible capacity or internal -space, consistent with the two former desiderata.</p> - -<p>Fourthly, Œconomy of materials and œconomy -of room produce œconomy of labour. And in addition -to these advantages, the cells are constructed -in the strongest manner possible, considering the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">- 343 -</a></span> -quantity of materials employed. Both the sides -and bases are so exquisitely thin, that three or -four placed on each other are not thicker than a -leaf of common writing-paper; each cell, separately -weak, is strengthened by its coincidence -with other cells, and <i>the entrance is fortified with -an additional ledge or border of wax</i>, to prevent -its bursting from the struggles of the bee-nymph, -or from the ingress and egress of the labourers. -This entrance border is <i>at least three times as -thick as the sides of the cell</i>, and thicker at the -angles than elsewhere, which prevents the mouth -of the cell from being regularly hexagonal, though -the interior is perfectly so.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“On books deep poring, ye pale sons of toil.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Who waste in studious trance the midnight oil,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Say, can ye emulate with all your rules.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Drawn or from Grecian or from Gothic schools.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">This artless frame? Instinct her simple guide,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">A heaven-taught Insect baffles all your pride.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Not all yon marshal’d orbs, that ride so high.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Proclaim more loud a present Deity,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Than the nice symmetry of these small cells,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Where on each angle genuine science dwells.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And joys to mark, through wide creation’s reign,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">How close the lessening links of her continued chain.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>I have just adverted to the ingenuity of the -bees in thickening, and thereby strengthening the -mouths of the cells. <i>Additional strength is also -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">- 344 -</a></span> -derived from the bees covering the whole surface of -the combs, but more particularly the edges of the -cells, with a peculiar kind of varnish</i>, which they -collect for the purpose. At first the combs are -delicately white, semitransparent, and exceedingly -fragile, smooth but unpolished: in a short time -their surfaces become stronger, and assume more -or less of a yellow tint. The deepening of the colour -of honey-combs has been supposed, by some, -to be the effect of age; and in part it may be: but -it is principally owing to the coat of varnish with -which the bees cover them. This varnish strongly -resembles propolis, appearing to differ from it -only in containing the colouring material which -imparts to wax its yellow hue. The source of -this colouring matter has not been discovered: it -is insoluble in alcohol; but the manufacture of -white wax shows that it is destructible by light.—But -to return to the construction of the cell-work.</p> - -<p><i>The pyramidal basis of a cell is formed by the -junction of three rhomboidal or lozenge-shaped -portions of wax;</i> thus,</p> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 111px;"> -<img src="images/page344.png" width="111" height="125" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">- 345 -</a></span></p> - -<p class="p0">the apex of the pyramid being situated where the -three obtuse angles of the lozenges meet. To the -exterior edges and angles are attached the six -pannels or sides of each cell. The apex of each -pyramidal bottom, on one side of a comb, forms -the angles of the bases of three cells on the opposite -side, the three lozenges respectively concurring -in the formation of the bases of the same cells. -This will I hope explain what is meant by “each -cell separately weak, being strengthened by coincidence -with others.” The bottom of each cell -rests upon three partitions of opposite cells, from -which it receives a great accession of strength.</p> - -<p>As it is desirable that the reader should -thoroughly comprehend this subject, I will restate -it in other words.—The partition which -separates the two opposing rows of cells, and -which occupies, of course, the middle distance -between their two surfaces, is not a plane but a -collection of rhombs, there being three at the -bottom of each cell: the three together form in -shape a flattened pyramid, the basis of which is -turned towards the mouth of the cell; each cell -is in form therefore an hexagonal prism, terminated -by a flattened trihedral pyramid, the three -sides of which pyramid are rhombs, that meet at -the apex by their obtuse angles. The plates underneath, -represent the opposite surfaces of the -pyramidal bases of adjoining cells, and will, I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">- 346 -</a></span> -trust, enable the reader to understand the foregoing -description.</p> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 374px;"> -<img src="images/page346.png" width="374" height="203" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>The union of the lozenges in one point, in addition -to the support which it is the means of -affording to the three partitions between opposing -cells, is also admirably adapted to receive the -little egg and to concentrate the heat necessary -for its incubation.</p> - -<p>Each obtuse angle of the lozenges or rhombs -forms an angle of about 110°, and each acute one, -an angle of about 70°. <span class="smcap">M. Maraldi</span> found by -mensuration that the angles of these rhombs -which compose the base of a cell, amounted to -109° 28′ and 70° 32′; and the famous mathematician -<span class="smcap">Kœnig</span>, pupil of the celebrated Bernouilli, -having been employed for that purpose -by <span class="smcap">M. Reaumur</span>, has clearly shown, by the method -of infinitesimals, that the quantity of these -angles, using the least possible wax, in a cell of -the same capacity, should contain 109° 26′ and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">- 347 -</a></span> -70° 34′. This was confirmed by the celebrated -<span class="smcap">Mr. M<sup>c</sup>Laurin</span>, who very justly observes, that -the bees do truly construct their cells of the best -figure, and with the utmost mathematical exactness.</p> - -<p>The construction of several combs is generally -going on at the same time. No sooner is the -foundation of one laid, with a few rows of cells -attached to it, than a second and a third are -founded on each side, parallel to the first, and so -on, (if the season give encouragement to the -operations of the bees,) till the hive is filled with -their works; the first constructed comb or combs -being always in the most advanced state, and -therefore the first to be completed.</p> - -<p><i>The design of every comb is sketched out, and -the first rudiments are laid, by one single bee.</i> -This founder-bee forms a block, out of a rough -mass of wax, drawn partly from its own resources, -but principally from those of other bees, which -furnish materials, in quick succession, from the -receptacles under their bellies, taking out the -plates of wax with their hind feet, and carrying -them to their mouths with their fore-feet, where -the wax is moistened and masticated, till it becomes -soft and ductile.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i1">Thus, “filter’d through yon flutterer’s folded mail,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Clings the cool’d wax, and hardens to a scale.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Swift, at the well-known call, the ready train<br /></span> -<span class="i1">(For not a buz boon Nature breathes in vain,)<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">- 348 -</a></span> -<span class="i1">Spring to each falling flake, and bear along<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Their glossy burdens to the builder throng.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>The architect-in-chief, who lays, as it were, the -first stone of this and each successive edifice, -determines the relative position of the combs, and -their distances from each other: these foundations -serve as guides for the ulterior labours of the -wax-working bees, and of those which sculpture -the cells, giving them the advantage of the margin -and angles already formed.</p> - -<p>The expedients resorted to by that ingenious -naturalist, <span class="smcap">Huber</span>, unfolded the whole process. -He saw each bee extract with its hind feet one -of the plates of wax from under the scales where -they were lodged, and carrying it to the mouth, -in a vertical position, turn it round; so that every -part of its border was made to pass, in succession, -under the cutting edge of the jaws: it was thus -soon divided into very small fragments; and a -frothy liquor was poured upon it from the tongue, -so as to form a perfectly plastic mass. This -liquor gave the wax a whiteness and opacity -which it did not possess originally, and at the -same time rendered it tenacious and ductile. -The issuing of this masticated mass from the -mouth was, no doubt, what misled Reaumur, and -caused him to regard wax as nothing more than -digested pollen.</p> - -<p>The mass of wax, prepared by the assistants -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">- 349 -</a></span>, -is applied by the architect-bee to the roof or -bottom of the hive, as the case may be; and thus -a block is raised of a semi-lenticular shape, thick -at top and tapering towards the edges. When of -sufficient size, a cell is sculptured on one side of -it, by the wax-working bees, who relieve one -another in succession, sometimes to the number -of twenty, before the cell is completely fashioned. -At the back and on each side of this first cell, -two others are sketched out and excavated. By -this proceeding the foundations of two cells are -laid, the line betwixt them corresponding with -the centre of the opposite cell. As the comb -extends, the first excavations are rendered deeper -and broader; and when a pyramidal base is finished, -the bees build up walls from its edges, so as to -complete, what may be called, the prismatic part -of the cell. Every succeeding row of cells is -formed by precisely similar steps, until there is -sufficient scope for the simultaneous employment -of many workers.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“These, with sharp sickle, or with sharper tooth,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Pare each excrescence, and each angle smooth,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Till now, in finish’d pride, two radiant rows,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Of snow-white cells, one mutual base disclose.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Six shining pannels gird each polish’d round.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">The door’s fine rim, with waxen fillet bound,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">While walls so thin, with sister walls combin’d.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Weak in themselves, a sure dependence find.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>The pyramidal bases and lateral plates are -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">- 350 -</a></span> -successively formed, with surprising rapidity: the -latter are lengthened as the comb proceeds, for -the original semi-lenticular form is preserved till -towards the last, when if the hive or box be filled, -the sides of all the cells receive such additions as -give them equal depth.</p> - -<p><i>The cells intended for the drones</i> are considerably -larger, and more substantial, than those for the -working bees, and, being later formed, usually -appear near the bottom of the combs. Last of all -are built the <i>royal cells</i>, the cradles of the infant -queens: of these there are usually three or four, -and sometimes ten or twelve, in a hive, attached -commonly to the central part, but not unfrequently -to the edge or side of the comb. <span class="smcap">Mr. Hunter</span> -says that he has seen as many as thirteen royal -cells in a hive, and that they have very little wax -in their composition, not one-third, the rest he -conceives to be farina. Such is the genuine loyalty -of bees, that the wax which they employ with so -much geometric œconomy, in the construction of -hexagonal cells, is profusely expended on the -mansions of the royal bee-nymph, one of these -exceeding in weight a hundred of the former. -They are not interwoven with them, but suspended -perpendicularly, their sides being nearly -parallel to the mouths of the common cells, -several of which are sacrificed to support them.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“No more with wary thriftiness imprest,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">They grace with lavish pomp their royal guest,<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">- 351 -</a></span> -<span class="i1">Nor heed the wasted wax, nor rifted cell.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">To bid, with fretted round, th’ imperial palace swell.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>The form of these royal cells is an oblong -spheroid, tapering gradually downwards, and -having the exterior full of holes, somewhat resembling -the <i>rustic</i> work of stone buildings. The -mouth of the cell, which is always at its bottom, -remains open till the maggot is ready for transformation, -and is then closed as the others are.</p> - -<p>Immediately on the emergence of a ripened -queen, the lodge which she inhabited is destroyed, -and its place is supplied by a range of common -cells. The site of this range may always be -traced, by that part of the comb being thicker -than the rest, and forming a kind of knot; sometimes -the upper portion of the cell itself remains, -like an inverted acorn-cup, suspended by its -short peduncle.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Yet no fond dupes to slavish zeal resign’d,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">They link with industry the loyal mind.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Flown is each vagrant chief? They raze the dome,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">That bent oppressive o’er the fetter’d comb,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And on its knotted base fresh gamers raise.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Where toil secure her well-earn’d treasure lays.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>In this mutilated state only, and not in the -breeding season, could Mr. Hunter have seen this -cradle of royalty; for he describes it as the half -of an oval, too wide and shallow to receive its -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">- 352 -</a></span> -supposed tenant. The following sketch affords; -a representation of the hexagonal cells of a comb, -and also the attachment of the royal cradles.</p> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 349px;"> -<img src="images/page352.png" width="349" height="313" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>I have spoken of the perfect regularity in the -cell-work of a honey-comb;—particular circumstances, -however, induce a departure from this -exactness: for instance, where bees have commenced -a comb with small cell-work, and afterwards -wish to attach to it a set of large cells, as -in the case of drone-cells being required to be -appended to workers-cells. These deviations -from the usual regularity renew our admiration -of bee-ingenuity, though Reaumur and Bonnet -have regarded them as examples of imperfection. -They effect their object by interposing three or -four series of, what may be called, <i>cells of transition</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">- 353 -</a></span> -the bottoms or bases of which are composed -of two rhombs and two hexagons, instead of three -rhombs; the rhombs and hexagons gradually -varying in form and relative proportion, till the -requisite size, namely that of the cells which they -are approaching, has been attained. The following -outlines will serve to convey to the reader the -regular steps in this progressive increase.</p> - -<div class="fig_center" style="width: 412px;"> -<img src="images/page353.png" width="412" height="286" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>The same gradation is observed when returning -to smaller cells. Every apparent irregularity is -therefore determined by a sufficient motive, and -forms no impeachment of the sagacity of the -bee.</p> - -<p>The common breeding-cells of drones or workers -are, occasionally, (after being cleaned,) made the -depositories of honey; but the cells are never made -so clean, as to preserve the honey undeteriorated. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">- 354 -</a></span> -The finest honey is stored in new cells, constructed -for the purpose of receiving it, their configuration -resembling precisely the common breeding-cells: -these <i>honey-cells vary in size</i>, being made more -or less capacious, <i>according to the productiveness -of the sources from which the bees are collecting</i>, -and <i>according to the season of the year</i>: the cells -formed in July and August vary in their dimensions -from those that are formed earlier; being -intended for honey only, they are larger and -deeper, the texture of their walls is thinner, and -they have more dip or inclination: this dip diminishes -the risk of the honey’s running out, -which from the heat of the weather, and the consequent -thinness of the honey, at this season of the -year, it might otherwise be liable to do. <i>When -the cells</i>, intended for holding the winter’s provision, -are filled, <i>they are always closed with waxen -lids</i>, and never re-opened till the whole of the -honey in the unfilled cells has been expended. -The waxen lids are thus formed;—The bees first -construct a ring of wax within the verge of the -cell, to which other rings are successively added, -till the aperture of the cell is finally closed with -a lid composed of concentric circles.</p> - -<p>The brood-cells, when their tenants have attained -a certain age, are also covered with waxen -lids, like the honey-cells; the lids differ a little, -the latter being somewhat concave, the former -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">- 355 -</a></span> -convex. <i>The depth of the brood-cells</i> of drones -and working bees is about half an inch; <i>their diameter</i> -is more exact, that of the drone-cells being -3⅓ lines<a name="FNanchor_27" id="FNanchor_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27" class="fnanchor">[AA]</a>, that of the workers 2⅗ lines. These, -says Reaumur, are the invariable dimensions of -all the cells, that ever were, or ever will be -made.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_27" id="Footnote_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27"><span class="label">[AA]</span></a> A line is the twelfth part of an inch.</p></div> - -<p>From this uniform, unvarying diameter of the -brood-cells, when completed, their use has been -suggested, as an universal standard of measure, -which would be understood, in all countries, to -the end of time.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“While heav’n-born Instinct bounds their measur’d view,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">From age to age, from Zembla to Peru,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Their snow-white cells, the order’d artists frame,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">In size, in form, in symmetry the same.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr smcap">Evans.</p></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">- 356 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXV" id="CHAPTER_XXXV">CHAPTER XXXV.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">AN INQUIRY INTO THE SOURCE AND -NATURE OF BEES-WAX.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">I</span>t</span> has long been very generally and implicitly -believed, that the yellow matter (in other words, -the pollen or farina of flowers,) which bees visibly -collect upon their thighs, is the prime constituent -of wax, the material of the honey-comb. Even -<span class="smcap">Bonnet</span> and <span class="smcap">Reaumur</span> were of this opinion. <span class="smcap">Burler</span>, -<span class="smcap">Purchas</span>, <span class="smcap">Rusden</span> and <span class="smcap">Thorley</span> have argued -against its identity with wax; and I trust that -the observations and experiments which I am -about to detail, will convince the dispassionate -inquirer of the fallacy of this old opinion.</p> - -<p>In the first place, It is to be observed, that -where no more comb can be built, as in old hives, -the bees carry in the greatest quantity of this -yellow matter.</p> - -<p>Secondly, That it differs materially from wax, -the latter when examined between the fingers -being adhesive, the former crumbly; the latter -also liquefying on the application of heat, whilst -the former burns to ashes.</p> - -<p>Thirdly, That the wax of new combs, from -whatever source collected, is uniformly white; -whereas the farina, as gathered by the bees, is -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">- 357 -</a></span> -always black, yellow, or red, agreeing in colour -with the anther-dust of the flowers in blossom at -the time of its collection. Moreover, the farina, -after it has been stored in the cells, retains its -original colour, whilst wax invariably changes, -first to a yellow, and lastly to a blackish tint. -Layers of different-coloured farina are generally -found in the cells, if slit down; and every hive, -at the season of deprivation, possesses a store -of it.</p> - -<p>Fourthly, That fresh colonies carry in very -little, if any, of this matter, for some days after -swarming, though combs are formed within that -period. I noticed this fact in my first colony: -the swarm issued from the parent hive on the -18th of May;—five days of rainy weather succeeded: -during this period the bees were prevented -from flying abroad; I fed them nightly -with sugared ale, and before the return of fine -weather a considerable quantity of comb was -formed. Now excepting such materials as the -bees might have brought with them from the -parent hive, in this case, the sugared ale alone -must have been the source of the wax. <span class="smcap">Huish</span> -has remarked that unless bees have access to -water, and also to sugar or honey, no comb can -be formed. Again, it may be observed, that upon -the storifying plan, when fresh works are commenced -in the duplets or triplets, if the farina -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">- 358 -</a></span> -were the basis of the combs, an increased quantity -should be carried in. On the contrary, though -I have watched the bees very minutely on these -occasions, I scarcely ever witnessed the introduction -of farina; and in such rare instances as I did -observe it, it might fairly be regarded as food for -the young larvæ of the bees contained in the full -box or boxes.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“No pearly loads they bear; but o’er the field<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Round flower and fruit the lithe proboscis wield.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">From meal-tipp’d anthers steal the lacquer’d crown,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And brush from rind or leaf the silvery down.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Nay oft, when threaten’d storms or drizzling rain.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Close in their walls, th’ impatient hosts detain,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">E’en from the yellow hoard’s nectareous rill,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Their tubes secerning can a stream distil,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Clear and untinctur’d as the fountain wave,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">That glides, slow trickling, thro’ the crevic’d cave.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">But, as that welling wave, around the stone,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">In rings concentric, wreathes its sparry zone.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">So filter’d thro’ yon flutterer’s folded mail.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Clings the cool’d <span class="smcap">wax</span>, and hardens to a scale.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>The observations of <span class="smcap">Mr. John Hunter</span> tended -to confirm this view of the matter; still more so, -those of <span class="smcap">M. Huber</span> and <span class="smcap">Son</span>. In order to determine -the point with greater precision, Huber -instituted many experiments. He lodged a recent -swarm in a straw-hive, leaving at its disposal only -a sufficiency of honey and water for its consumption, -and preventing it from going beyond the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">- 359 -</a></span> -precincts of a room, so closed as to admit only a -renewal of the air. At the end of five days as -many cakes of beautifully white, though very -fragile wax, were suspended from the roof; the -honey had totally disappeared. Still however, as -there was a possibility that the thighs and stomachs -of the bees might have conveyed pollen -from the parent hive, he withdrew these five -combs, and replaced the bees in the hive with a -fresh supply of honey and water; they renewed -their toil with unabated industry, and soon fabricated -new combs: these last were taken from them; -when the patient and indefatigable insects commenced -a third structure of comb. Five times -in succession were their works thus completed -and removed, although during the whole of this -period they were fed merely with honey and -water, and could not possibly have had access to -farina.</p> - -<p>These experiments, so uniform in their results, -give indubitable validity to the fact,—that honey, -through the organic intervention of bees, may be -converted into wax. A contrary experiment was -made, by abundantly supplying a hive with fruit -and pollen only: but during eight days confinement -the bees produced no wax whatever, nor -exhibited any plates under their abdominal rings; -no combs were formed, nor was an atom of farina -touched,—a clear proof that farina supplies neither -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">- 360 -</a></span> -wax nor sustenance to adult bees. The improbability -of this indeed is evinced by its abundance -in hives whose tenants have died of famine. And -as to its being the constituent of wax, <span class="smcap">Reaumur</span> -calculated that a well stocked hive might -collect at least 100 pounds of pollen in a season, -whereas the weight of wax fabricated in the same -time would not exceed two pounds.</p> - -<p>Experiments have proved the excellence of -sugar as a substitute for honey, and in some instances -its superiority for the formation of wax. -It might otherwise have been supposed that bees -might form comb from some particles of wax -accidentally present in the honey, and that these -afforded the pabulum for this secretion. To prove -therefore that the saccharine principle alone enabled -the bees to produce wax, being still confined, -they were supplied with a syrup made with Canary-sugar -and water, and at the same time -comparative experiments were made in another -hive, where the bees were fed on honey and -water. The syrup-fed bees produced wax sooner -and more abundantly than the honey-fed bees. -Another fact was also incontrovertibly elicited; -namely, that in the old hives the honey is warehoused, -and that in the new ones it is consumed -and transmuted into wax.</p> - -<p>The experiments of <span class="smcap">Huber</span> have been confirmed -by those of <span class="smcap">M. Blondelu</span>, of Noyau, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">- 361 -</a></span> -who addressed a memoir upon this subject to the -Society of Agriculture at Paris, in May 1812. -<span class="smcap">Huish</span> has critically examined these experiments -of Huber, but without being convinced by them: -for having observed pollen on the thighs of bees -when swarming, and upon dissection, in their -stomachs also, he considers that pollen, elaborated -in the second stomach of the bee, “contains -in itself the principle of wax.” Were this the -case, what a store of pollen must the bees have -reserved, in Huber’s experiments, wherein they -formed five successive sets of comb, without access -to fresh pollen! The pollen or bee-bread, which -Huish discovered on the thighs and in the stomachs -of some of his bees, was most likely intended -for larva-food; they were probably bees -that had been abroad, and joined the swarm on -their passage home, before they had deposited -their freight in the parent hive. With this pollen -(or ambrosia, as it has been called), after conversion -into a sort of whitish jelly by the action of the -bee’s stomach, where it is probably mixed with -honey, and then regurgitated, the young brood, -immediately upon their exclusion and until their -change into nymphs, are fed by the nursing-bees -several times a day. The opinion that -pollen is the prime constituent of wax was held -by <span class="smcap">Buffon</span>, and remains uncontradicted in an -edition of his Works so late as 1821. <span class="smcap">Arthur -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">- 362 -</a></span> -Dobbs</span>, Esq., in the Philosophical Transactions -for 1752, instead of considering wax as digested -pollen discharged from the stomach of the bee, -regards it as being emitted <i>per annum</i>; and as he -speaks of its discharge in husks or shells, doubtless -he saw it in that form, which it is now -known to assume when moulded upon the body -of the bee. Indeed he says that he has had swarming -bees alight upon his hand, and drop warm -wax upon it. Its being secreted only by the under -side of the belly might easily deceive, and lead -him to regard it as alvine excrement.</p> - -<p>I will here subjoin some more proofs of the -non-identity of wax and pollen. So long ago as -1768, the <span class="smcap">Lusatian Society</span> (called <i>Société des -Abeilles</i>, founded at little Bautzen, a village in -Upper Lusatia, under the auspices of the Elector -of Saxony,) knew that wax was not discharged -from the mouths of bees, but was secreted in thin -scales among their abdominal rings or segments. -About 1774, <span class="smcap">Mr. Thorley</span> caught a bee just -entering its hive, and found, among the plaits of -its belly, no less than six pieces or scales of solid -wax, perfectly white and transparent, and he -oftentimes saw wax in the same situation. <span class="smcap">M. -Duchet</span>, in his <i>Culture des Abeilles</i>, quoted by -<span class="smcap">Wildman</span> in 1778, declares that wax is formed -of honey; and relates in proof of it, that he has -seen a broken comb of an overset hive, which -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">- 363 -</a></span> -was repaired during bad weather, when the bees -could not acquire any other material. This statement -of Duchet corresponds with my own observation, -as stated in <a href="#Page_357">page 357</a>, but is not so conclusive. -In Duchet’s instance there might have -been other materials in the hive besides honey; -whereas in my case the bees had access to no materials -whatever, excepting the sugared ale and the -honey which they had conveyed from the parent -hive, the swarm having been just hived. <span class="smcap">Wildman</span>, -in his Treatise on the Management of Bees, -states his having seen pieces of wax, like fish -scales, on the hive floor of a fresh swarmed -colony, part of which he thinks must at least -have been formed upon the body of the bee; some -flakes might have fallen from the combs then -constructing, but there were many pieces among -them which were concave on one side and convex -on the other, as if moulded on the insect’s -belly. Flakes were likewise seen, hanging loose, -between the abdominal scales of the bees. In -1792, <span class="smcap">Mr. John Hunter</span>, apparently unacquainted -with antecedent conjectures, detected the genuine -reservoir of wax under the bee’s belly. -He considered wax as an external secretion of -oil, formed and moulded between the abdominal -scales of the insect. <span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span> confirms the -testimony of Wildman and Hunter, having been -an eye-witness to the formation of wax into -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">- 364 -</a></span> -flakes. “One or more bees,” he remarks, “may -be often seen before the door of the hive, supporting -themselves by their two fore-feet, fluttering -their wings, and agitating the hind parts of -their bodies. They are then evidently moulding -the wax between their abdominal scales, the motion -of the wings serving to preserve their balance, and -as a signal for their companions within to come -and carry off the falling flakes.” In the Philosophical -Transactions for 1807, <span class="smcap">Mr. Knight</span> states -that there is no such secretory process; that the -wax is laid on the scales of the abdomen for the -convenience of carriage, and to receive warmth -preparatory to cell-building.</p> - -<p>To complete the evidence however, to me so -irresistible, in favour of the wax-secreting faculty -of the bee’s body, I observe finally, that in 1793, -M. Huber’s observations led him to the same -conclusion as Mr. Hunter’s, relative to the nature -of the laminæ under the abdominal scales: but -Huber slumbered not there, he prosecuted the -inquiry more successfully than any preceding naturalist, -and at length demonstrated the secreting -organs which had eluded the scrutiny of Swammerdam, -Hunter, and other acute anatomists. -He found that these laminæ were contained -in distinct receptacles, on each side of the -middle process of the scales; he examined with -great care the form and structure of these secreting -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">- 365 -</a></span> -cavities, which are peculiar to working -bees. Each working bee has eight of these organs, -sacklets or small compartments. Their -general shape is an irregular pentagon, and the -plates of wax, being moulded in them, exhibit -accordingly the same form. A perforation of -their lining membrane on the side next to the -abdomen, started a jet of transparent fluid, which -congealed on cooling; in this state it resembled -wax, and became again fluid on the application -of heat. Comparative experiments were made -with the substance contained in the pouches and -with the wax of fresh combs: a great similarity -between these two substances was discerned; -the latter appeared somewhat more compound, -having probably received some additional ingredient, -while employed as the material for -building. The secreting function of the membrane -on the inner surface of these cavities, was -further evinced, by a more minute examination -of its structure, which exhibited a number of -folds, forming an hexagonal net-work, analogous -to the inner coat of the second stomach of ruminating -quadrupeds. Huber does not appear -to have known the observations either of Duchet -or of Wildman on this subject, although they -were made long prior to Mr. Hunter’s; for he -quotes only from the latter.</p> - -<p>When combs are wanted, bees fill their crops -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">- 366 -</a></span> -with honey, and retaining it in them, hang together -in a cluster from the top of the hive, and remain -inactive about twenty-four hours. During this -time the wax is secreted, and may be seen in -laminæ, under the abdominal scales, whence it is -removed by the hind legs of the bee, and transferred -to the fore legs; from them it is taken by -the jaws, and after being masticated as described -in Chap, XXXIV, <a href="#Page_347">page 347</a>, the fabrication of comb -commences.</p> - -<p>“To see the wax-pockets in the hive-bee, you -must press the abdomen, so as to cause its distention; -you will then find, on each of the four -intermediate ventral segments, separated by the -carina or elevated central part, two trapeziform -whitish pockets, of a soft membranaceous texture: -on these the laminæ of wax are formed, in different -states, more or less perceptible<a name="FNanchor_28" id="FNanchor_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28" class="fnanchor">[AB]</a>.”</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_28" id="Footnote_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28"><span class="label">[AB]</span></a> Kirby and Spence.</p></div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Messrs. Huber</span> and <span class="smcap">Son</span> ascertained that the -office of collecting honey, for the elaboration of -wax, is filled by a particular description of bees -or labourers, to which they have given the name -of <i>wax-workers</i>. These bees are susceptible of an -increase in size, as is evident from the state of -their stomachs, when quite full of honey. Dissection -has shown that their stomachs are more -capacious than those of the bees that are differently -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">- 367 -</a></span> -occupied. Bees not possessed of this expanding -stomach, gather no more honey than is -necessary to supply the immediate wants of themselves -and their companions, with whom they -readily share it: these are called <i>nursing-bees</i>, -their principal duty being to attend the eggs and -larvæ. The task of storing the hive with provisions -devolves upon the wax-workers, who, -when not occupied in the construction of comb, -disgorge their honey into those cells which are -intended for its reception. By marking the -bees, it was found that they never encroached -upon each other’s employment: this strict adjustment -of duty is the more remarkable, since the -power of producing wax is common both to the -nursing- and wax-working bees, a small quantity -of wax being really found in the receptacles of -the nursing-bees.</p> - -<p>In the foregoing experiments for ascertaining -the sources of wax, the bees had borne their confinement -without evincing the least impatience; -but on another occasion, when shut up with a -brood of eggs and larvæ, and without pollen, -though honey was copiously supplied, they manifested -uneasiness and rage at their imprisonment. -Fearing the consequence of this state of tumult -being prolonged, Huber allowed them to escape -in the evening, when too late to collect provisions; -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">- 368 -</a></span> -the bees soon returned home. At the end of five -days, during which this experiment was tried, -the hive was examined:—the larvæ had perished, -and the jelly that surrounded them on their introduction -into the hive had disappeared. The -same bees were then supplied with a fresh brood, -together with some comb containing pollen: very -different indeed was their behaviour with this -outfit; they eagerly seized the pollen and conveyed -it to the young; order and prosperity were -re-established in the colony; the larvæ underwent -the usual transformations; royal cells were completed -and closed with wax, and the bees showed -no desire to quit their habitation. These experiments -afford indisputable evidence of the origin -of wax and the destination of pollen.</p> - -<p>Though the wax of honey and brood-comb -be an original secretion from the body of the bee, -wax is also considered by some as a vegetable -substance existing abundantly in nature. According -to <span class="smcap">Proust</span>, it forms the silvery down on -the leaves, flowers and fruit of many plants, and -resides likewise in the feculæ of others. <span class="smcap">Dr. -Darwin</span>, in his <i>Phytologia</i>, supposes that wax is -secreted to glaze over the fecundating dust of the -anthers, and prevent its premature explosion -from excessive moisture: to an unseasonable -dispersion of anther-dust he ascribes the failure -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">- 369 -</a></span> -of orchard and corn crops in summers of extreme -humidity. The wax-tree of Louisiana<a name="FNanchor_29" id="FNanchor_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29" class="fnanchor">[AC]</a> (<i>Myrica -cerifera</i>) contains immense quantities of wax. In -this respect there appears an identity betwixt -animal and vegetable secretion, which may be -viewed as indicative of simplicity in the structure -of the bee: a still simpler organization exists in -the aphis, which extracts the saccharine juices -from the leaves and bark of trees, and expels -them again nearly unchanged<a name="FNanchor_30" id="FNanchor_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30" class="fnanchor">[AD]</a>.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_29" id="Footnote_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29"><span class="label">[AC]</span></a> <i>Vide</i> Part I. <a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">Chap. 28</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_30" id="Footnote_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30"><span class="label">[AD]</span></a> <i>Vide</i> Part I. <a href="#CHAPTER_V">Chap. 5</a>.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">- 370 -</a></span></p></div> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXXVI">CHAPTER XXXVI.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">POLLEN.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><i><span class="big">P</span>ollen</i></span> and <i>Farina</i>, in the language of Botanists, -are terms applied to the powdery particles discharged -by the anthers of flowers in warm dry -weather, and which hang about the stamina. The -colour, as well as the structure of pollen, varies -in different plants. Its use, in fecundating the -germens of flowers, is well known: the services -of bees, towards that end, will be noticed in a -separate chapter. The sixth volume of the Linnæan -Transactions contains an interesting paper -upon this substance, from the pen of <span class="smcap">Mr. Luke -Howard</span>.</p> - -<p><i>Pollen has a capsular structure</i>, varying its -shape in different flowers, insomuch as to be a -popular object for the microscope. Each grain -consists commonly of a membranous bag, which, -when it has come to maturity, bursts on the application -of moisture: this bursting is naturally -effected by the honey-like exudation of the stigma; -but if extraneous moisture accomplish it prematurely, -the pollen is rendered useless for the purpose -of fructification. Whenever moistened, the -bag explodes with great force, and discharges a -subtle vapour or essence, which, when released -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">- 371 -</a></span> -by the peculiar moisture of the stigma, performs -effectually its final purpose.</p> - -<p>This substance was once erroneously supposed -to be the prime constituent of wax; but the experiments -of <span class="smcap">Hunter</span> and <span class="smcap">Huber</span> have proved -that wax is a secretion from the bodies of wax-working -bees<a name="FNanchor_31" id="FNanchor_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31" class="fnanchor">[AE]</a>, and that the principal purpose of -pollen is to nourish the embryo-bees; (it has -been called the ambrosia of the hive). Huber -was the first who suggested this idea, and it well -accords with what we observe among other parts -of the animal kingdom;—birds, for instance, feed -their young with different food from what they -take themselves. Mr. Hunter examined the stomachs -of the maggot-bees, and found farina in -all, but not a particle of honey in any of them. -Huber considers the pollen as undergoing a peculiar -elaboration in the stomachs of the nursing-bees, -to be fitted for the nutriment of the larvæ.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_31" id="Footnote_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31"><span class="label">[AE]</span></a> <i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">Chap. XXXV</a>.</p></div> - -<p>“In spring,” says <span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span>, “which may be -called the bee’s first <i>carrying</i> season, scarcely one -of the labourers is seen returning to the hive, -without a little ball or pellet of farina, on each of -its hinder legs. These balls are invariably of the -same colour as the anther-dust of the flowers then -in bloom, the different tints of yellow, as pale, -greenish or deep orange, being most prevalent.” -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">- 372 -</a></span>The bees may frequently be observed to roll their -bodies on the flower, and then, brushing off the -pollen which adheres to them, with their feet, -form it into two masses, which they dispose of in -the usual way. In very dry weather, when probably -the particles of pollen cannot be made to -cohere, I have often seen them return home so -completely enveloped by it, as to give them the -appearance of a different species of bee. The -anther-dust, thus collected, is conveyed to the interior -of the hive, and there brushed off by the -collector or her companions. <span class="smcap">Reaumur</span> and others -have observed, that <i>bees prefer the morning for -collecting this substance</i>, most probably that the -dew may assist them in the moulding of their little -balls. “I have seen them abroad,” says Reaumur, -“gathering farina before it was light;” they -continue thus occupied till about ten o’clock.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“Brush’d from each anther’s crown, the mealy gold.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">With morning dew, the light fang’d artists mould.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Fill with the foodful load their hollow’d thigh,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And to their nurslings bear the rich supply.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Evans.</span></p></div> - -<p>This is their practice during the warmer months; -but in April and May, and at the settlement of -a recent swarm, they carry pollen throughout the -day; but even in these instances, the collection is -made in places most likely to furnish the requisite -moisture for moulding the pellets, namely, in shady -and sometimes in very distant places.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">- 373 -</a></span></p> - -<p>When a bee has completed her loading, she returns -to the hive, <i>part</i> of her cargo <i>is instantly -devoured</i> by the nursing-bees, to be regurgitated -for the use of the larvæ, and <i>another part is stored</i> -in cells for future exigencies, <i>in the following -manner</i>. The bee, while seeking a fit cell for her -freight, makes a noise with her wings, as if to -summon her fellow-citizens round her; she then -fixes her two middle and her two hind legs upon -the edge of the cell which she has selected, and -curving her body, seizes the farina with her fore -legs, and makes it drop into the cell: thus freed -from her burthen, she hurries off to collect again. -Another bee immediately packs the pollen, and -kneads and works it down into the bottom of the -cell, probably mixing a little honey with it, judging -from the moist state in which she leaves it; -an air-tight coating of varnish finishes this storing -of pollen.</p> - -<p>From the uniform colour of each collection, it -is reasonable to suppose that <i>the bee never visits -more than one species of flower on the same journey;</i> -this was the opinion of <span class="smcap">Aristotle</span>, and the -generality of modern observers have confirmed it. -<span class="smcap">Reaumur</span>, however, supposed that the bee ranged -from flowers of one species to those of another -indiscriminately. <span class="smcap">Mr. Arthur Dobbs</span>, in the -Philosophical Transactions for 1752, states that -he has repeatedly followed bees when collecting -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">- 374 -</a></span> -pollen; and that whatever flowers they first alighted -upon decided their choice for that excursion, all -other species being passed over unregarded: -<span class="smcap">Butler</span> had previously asserted the same thing. -Here we see the operation of a discriminating instinct, -which in the first place leads the insect to -make an aggregation of homogeneous particles, -which of course form the closest cohesion; and in -the next place prevents the multiplication of -hybrid plants. This remark was made by <span class="smcap">Sprengel</span>, -who has confirmed the observations of Dobbs, -Butler, and others. The bees, which Reaumur -observed to visit flowers of different species, -might have been in quest of honey as well as of -pollen.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">- 375 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVII">CHAPTER XXXVII.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">PROPOLIS.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">B</span>esides</span> the honey and pollen which are gathered -by bees, they collect a resinous substance, -that is very tenacious, semitransparent, and which -gives out a balsamic odour, somewhat resembling -that of storax. In the mass, it is of a reddish -brown colour; when broken, its colour approaches -that of wax. Dissolved in spirit of -wine or oil of turpentine, it imparts, as varnish, -a golden colour to silver, tin, and other white -polished metals. Being supposed to possess -medicinal virtue, it was formerly kept in the -shop of the apothecary. According to Vauquelin, -propolis consists of one part of wax and four of -pure resin; in which respect, and in its yielding -the same acid, (the <i>benzoic</i>,) it resembles balsam -Peru. It also contains some aromatic principles.</p> - -<p>With propolis, bees attach the combs to the roof -and sides of their dwelling, stop crevices, fasten -the hives or boxes to the floors and roofs, strengthen -the weak places of their domicile, and varnish -the cell-work of their combs. The chapter on -Instincts details the modes in which bees employ -it for their protection against intruders into their -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">- 376 -</a></span> -hives. From its being used for the firm attachment -of combs to the roofs of hives, it must be -the first matter collected by a recent swarm. The -term Propolis is derived from the Greek, and -signifies ‘before the city,’ bees having been observed -to make use of it, in strengthening the -outworks of their city.</p> - -<p>Reaumur was unable to discover its vegetable -source. It is generally supposed to be gathered -from the resinous exudations of the poplar, alder, -birch, and willow; according to Riem, from pines -and other trees of the fir tribe; though some authors -have alleged that bees can produce it where -no such trees are near them, and that turpentine -and other resins have been disregarded when -laid before them. A recent experiment of Huber -has solved this question: he planted in spring -some branches of the wild poplar, before the -leaves were developed, and placed them in pots -near his apiary: the bees alighting on them separated -the folds of the largest buds with their forceps, -extracted the varnish in threads, and loaded -with it, first one thigh and then the other; for -they convey it like pollen, transferring it by the -first pair of legs to the second, by which it is lodged -in the hollow of the third. Huber examined the -chemical properties of this varnish, and identified -it with the propolis which fastens the combs to -the hives.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">- 377 -</a></span></p> - -<p>With respect to the absence of fir-trees, &c. in -the neighbourhood of the hives, it is to be recollected, -in the first place, that <i>bees will fly about -three miles</i> (some say five,) for what they may -want: <span class="smcap">Huber</span> <i>thinks that the radius of the circle -they traverse does not exceed half a league</i>, yet -says that the question is undecided. In the second -place, that a balsamic and tenacious secretion is -found upon the buds of several plants and trees, -which are often crowded with these insects; such -for instance as the tacamahac, horse-chesnut, and -hollyhock. Dr. Evans says that he has been an -eye-witness of their collecting the balsamic varnish -which coats the young blossom buds of the hollyhock, -and has seen them rest at least ten minutes -on the same bud, moulding the balsam with their -fore-feet and transferring it to the hinder legs, as -above stated. When finally moulded, the pellets -of propolis are of a lenticular form.</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“With merry hum the Willow’s copse they scale,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">The fir’s dark pyramid, or Poplar pale,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Scoop from the Alder’s leaf its oozy flood,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Or strip the Chesnut’s resin-coated bud,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Skim the light tear that tips Narcissus’ ray.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Or round the Hollyhock’s hoar fragrance play.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Soon temper’d to their will through eve’s low beam,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And link’d in airy bands the viscous stream.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">They waft their nut-brown loads exulting home,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">That form a fret-work for the future comb,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Caulk every chink where rushing winds may roar,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">And seal their circling ramparts to the floor.”<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr smcap">Evans.</p></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">- 378 -</a></span></p> - -<p>As to the bees refusing resinous substances, -when presented to them, as substitutes for propolis, -<span class="smcap">Mr. Knight</span> has assured us, in the Philosophical -Transactions, that this is not the fact; as -he had seen them carry off a composition of wax -and turpentine, which had been laid over the decorticated -parts of his trees.</p> - -<p>The bees blend this substance with wax in -different proportions, as occasion may require. -Among the ancients, it bore different names, according -to the quantity of wax it contained. Virgil -made this distinction, though <span class="smcap">Mr. Martin</span> conceives -that his <i>narcissi lachrymæ</i>, <i>cera</i> [cum quâ]—“spiramenta -tenuia linunt,”—and <i>gluten</i>, all -mean the same thing: this is probably a mistake. -It seems much more likely that <span class="smcap">Virgil</span> should mean -<i>metys</i>, <i>pissoceron</i> and <i>propolis</i>, the three names -by which <span class="smcap">Pliny</span> says that the varieties of propolis -were distinguished in his time.</p> - -<p>I have before alluded to the fortification of the -weak places of hives with propolis. M. Reaumur, -whose hives consisted of wooden frames and panes -of glass, wishing to put this talent of the bees to -the test, carelessly fastened the glass of a hive -with paper and paste, before putting in a swarm; -the bees soon discovered the weakness of his -paste-work, and indignantly gnawing to pieces -this feeble fence, secured the glass with their own -cement.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">- 379 -</a></span></p> - -<p>I have already observed, that <i>the sage bee</i> -chooses the morning for collecting pollen, on -account of the dew’s enabling her to compress it -better; but, as moisture would render propolis less -coherent, she <i>gathers this substance when the day -is somewhat advanced</i>, and when the warmth of the -sun has imparted to it softness and pliancy. These -qualities are however soon lost, after it has been -detached from the secreting surfaces, and exposed -to the oxygenizing power of the air. So rapid is -this hardening process, that the bees which store -it, oftentimes find some difficulty in tearing it -with their jaws from the thighs of its collectors.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">- 380 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVIII">CHAPTER XXXVIII.</a></h2> - -<p class="caption2">IMPORTANCE OF BEES TO THE FRUCTIFICATION OF FLOWERS.</p> - - -<p class="p0"><span class="smcap"><span class="big">H</span>oney</span> is regarded by modern naturalists as of -no other use to plants but to allure insects, which, -by visiting the nectaries of their flowers to procure -it, become instrumental to their fertilization, -either by scattering the dust of the stamens upon -the stigmata of the same flower, or by carrying it -from those which produce only male blossoms to -those that bear female ones, and thereby rendering -the latter fertile.</p> - -<p>No class of insects renders so much service in -this way as <i>bees</i>; they <i>have</i> however <i>been accused -of injuring vegetables</i>, in three ways: 1st, by purloining -for their combs the wax which defends -the prolific dust of the anthers from rain; 2ndly, -by carrying off the dust itself, as food for their -young larvæ; and 3dly, by devouring the honey -of the nectaries, intended to nourish the vegetable -organs of fructification<a name="FNanchor_32" id="FNanchor_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32" class="fnanchor">[AF]</a>.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_32" id="Footnote_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32"><span class="label">[AF]</span></a> Darwin’s <i>Phytologia</i>.</p></div> - -<p>In defence of his insect protegées, <span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span> -has observed:</p> - -<p>“First, That the proportion of wax collected -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">- 381 -</a></span> -from the anthers is probably very trifling, it being -so readily and abundantly obtainable from honey.</p> - -<p>“Secondly, That for any depredations committed -on the farina, they amply compensate, by their -inadvertent yet providential conveyance of it, on -their limbs and corslets, to the female organs of -monoecious or dioecious plants; whose impregnation -must otherwise have depended on the uncertain -winds. This is exemplified in the practice -of our gardeners, who in early spring, before -they dare expose their hotbeds to the open air, -and consequently to the access of insects, insure -the fertility of the cucumbers and melons, by -shaking a male blossom over each female flower. -For the same purpose, and with the same success, -a gentleman in Shropshire substitutes a male -blossom, in place of the female one, at the top of -his embryo cucumber, which instantly adheres, -and falls off in due time. To the same kind intrusion -of insects we owe the numberless new -sorts of esculents and endless varieties of flowers -in the parterre:</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i8">‘Where Beauty plays<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Her idle freaks; from family diffus’d<br /></span> -<span class="i1">To family, as flies the father dust<br /></span> -<span class="i1">The varied colours run.’<br /></span> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Thomson.</span></p></div> - -<p>“Thirdly, That in a great many instances, the -honey-cups are completely beyond the reach of -the fructifying organs, and cannot possibly be -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382">- 382 -</a></span> -subservient to their use. Hence <span class="smcap">Sir J. E. Smith</span> -<i>believes the honey to be intended, by its scent, to allure -these venial panders to the flowers</i>, and thereby -shows how highly he estimates their value to vegetation. -See his Introduction to Botany. In -the same work, the author observes that <span class="smcap">Sprengel</span> -has ingeniously demonstrated, in some hundreds -of instances, how the corolla serves as an attraction -to insects, indicating by various marks, sometimes -perhaps by its scent, where they may find -honey, and accommodating them with a convenient -resting-place or shelter while they extract -it. This elegant and ingenious theory receives -confirmation from almost every flower we examine. -Proud man is disposed to think that</p> - -<div class="center">‘Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,’</div> - -<p class="p0">because he has not deigned to explore it; but we -find that even the beauties of the most sequestered -wilderness are not made in vain. They have -myriads of admirers, attracted by their charms, -and rewarded by their treasures, which would be -as useless as the gold of a miser, to the plant -itself, were they not the means of bringing insects -about it.”</p> - -<p>Thus the bee, by settling upon and collecting -honey from a thousand different flowers, is -thereby assisting the great purpose of vegetable -reproduction, at the same time that the loads she -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383">- 383 -</a></span> -carries home enable her to construct receptacles -for the reproduction of her own race.</p> - -<p>“For the due fertilization of the common <i>Barberry</i>, -it is necessary that its irritable stamens -should be brought into contact with the pistil, by -the application of some stimulus to the base of -the filament; but this would never take place -were not insects attracted, by the melliferous -glands of the flower, to insinuate themselves -amongst the filaments, and thus, while seeking -their own food, unknowingly to fulfil the intentions -of Nature in another department.” <i>In some cases -the agency of the hive-bee is inadequate to produce -the required end; in these the humble-bee is the -operator:</i> these alone, as Sprengel has observed, -are strong enough for instance, to force their way -beneath the style-flag of the <i>Iris Xiphium</i>, which -in consequence is often barren. <i>Other insects -besides bees are instrumental in producing the same -ends;</i> indeed they are necessary instruments: and -hence according to the same naturalist, in some -places, where the particular insect required is not -to be met with, no fruit is formed upon the plant -which is usually visited by it, where it is indigenous; -for he supposes that <i>some plants have particular -insects appropriated to them</i>. The American -<i>Aristolochia Sipho</i>, though it flowers plentifully, -never forms fruit in our gardens, probably for the -reason just assigned. The <i>Date Palm</i> affords a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384">- 384 -</a></span> -striking instance of the necessity of extraneous -intervention to perfect fructification; male and -female flowers are borne on separate trees, and -unless the two sorts be in the neighbourhood of -each other, the fruit has no kernel and is not -proper for food. There was a tree of this kind, -bearing female flowers, at Berlin, for the fructification -of which, a branch, with male flowers upon -it, was once sent by post from Leipsic, (20 German -miles,) and being suspended over some of the -pistils, the tree afterwards yielded fruit and seed -in abundance. <span class="smcap">Professor Willdenow</span> has stated -a very curious circumstance, concerning the <i>Aristolochia -Clematitis</i>. He observes that the stamens -and pistils of the flower are inclosed in its globular -base, the anthers being under the stigma, which -thereby requires the intervention of an insect, to -convey the pollen to it. The <i>Tipula pennicornis</i> -accomplishes this object; it enters the -flower by its tubular part, which is thickly lined -with inflected hairs, so as readily to admit the -fly, but totally to prevent its release, till by the -fading of the corolla the hairs have fallen flat -against its sides. Hence the insect in struggling -to effect its escape, brushes off the pollen and applies -it to the stigma, thereby accomplishing the -fertilization of the flower.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385">- 385 -</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="INDEX" id="INDEX">INDEX.</a></h2> - -<table style="width: 40em;" summary="Index"> -<tr> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr smaller">Page.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Anatomy"></a>Anatomy of the bee</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_249">249</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">The head</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_251">251</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">The proboscis</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_251"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">lips</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_253">253</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">tongue</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_253"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">pharynx</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_254">254</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">œsophagus or gullet</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_254"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">mandibles</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_255">255</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">maxillæ</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_255"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">antenna</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_255">255</a>, <a href="#Page_292">292</a>, <a href="#Page_307">307</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">palpi</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_256">256</a>, <a href="#Page_308">308</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">eyes</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_256">256</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">The trunk</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_250">250</a>, <a href="#Page_256">256</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">The wings</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_256">256</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">legs</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_257">257</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">The abdomen</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_251">251</a>, <a href="#Page_258">258</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">The honey-bag</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_258">258</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">venom-bag</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_258"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">anus</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_258"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">ovipositor</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_258"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">sting</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_258"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">organs of reproduction</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_258"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Anger of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_288">288</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">not apt to be excited at a distance from home</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_290">290</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">fatal consequences of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_288">288</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386">- 386 -</a></span> - Animation of bees suspended</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_202">202</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Antennæ</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_255">255</a>, <a href="#Page_292">292</a>, <a href="#Page_307">307</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">effects of their excision</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_309">309</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">organs for communicating information</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_292">292</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">for receiving meteorological intelligence</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_292"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Antipathies of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_303">303</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Ants, anecdotes respecting</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_183">183</a>, <a href="#Page_205">205</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">(Amazon) anecdote of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_323">323</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">enslaved</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_324">324</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">their milch cattle</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_74">74</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">white, wonderful fertility of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Aphides</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_72">72</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">principal source of honey-dew</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_72"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">their willing subserviency to bees and ants</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_75">75</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">wonderful fertility of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_32">32</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Apiary</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">best aspect for</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_48"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Bonner’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_51">51</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">circumstances to be avoided in</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">to be desired in</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_48"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Apparatus for deprivation</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_107">107</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Architecture"></a>Architecture of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_339">339</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">commencement and progress of a comb first observed by Huber</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_340">340</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">construction of a cell</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_340">340</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">of cells of transition</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_353">353</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">of drone-cells</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_350">350</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">of royal-cells</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_351">351</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">geometrical accuracy of cell-work</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_342">342</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">demonstrated by Maraldi, Kœnig, and M<sup>c</sup>Laurin</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_346">346</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">honey-comb, description of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_352">352</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">varnish for strengthening cell-work</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_344">344</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Armour of defence against bees, &c.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_175">175</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1" colspan="2">Aurelia. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#Pupa">Pupa</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387">- 387 -</a></span> - <a id="Bee"></a>Bee, honey, comprises three descriptions of individuals</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1" colspan="2">Bee, anatomy of. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">Anatomy</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Bee-boxes</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_83">83</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">compared with hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_100">100</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">dimensions of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_83">83</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Dunbar’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">observations therein</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">history of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_109">109</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Huber’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Hunter’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_102"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">materials for, best</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_83">83</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Gedde’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_111">111</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Hartlib’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Mew’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_110"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Reaumur’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Thorley’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_111">111</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Warder’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_111"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">White’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_111"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">centre-boards</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">floor boards</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_87">87</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">reference to venders of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Bee bread</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_371">371</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">dress</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_175">175</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">eater of Selborne</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_337">337</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3" colspan="2">flowers. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_IV">Pasturage</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">house</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_52">52</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">shed</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_99">99</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Bees"></a>Bees, adherence of to life</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_202">202</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">anger of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_288">288</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">protection against</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_177">177</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">animation of, suspended</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_201">201</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">antipathies of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_303">303</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">attachment to queen</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">ballasting themselves (erroneous)</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">black</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388">- 388 -</a></span> - brooding (erroneous)</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_6">6</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">build combs sometimes under resting boards</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_125">125</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">their contests with each other</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_289">289</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">by single combat</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_289"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">by general engagement</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_289"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">corsair</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_207">207</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">death, sudden, from effluvia of Rhus Vernix</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_197">197</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3" colspan="2">diseases of. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">Diseases of Bees</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3" colspan="2">drone. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#Drones">Drones</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">duration, extraordinary, of a colony</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_298">298</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">education of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_260">260</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">embryo</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">development of, affected by temperature</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3" colspan="2">enemies of. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">Enemies of Bees</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">evolution of <i>ab ovo</i></td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">excursions of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_377">377</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3" colspan="2">exotic. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">Exotic Bees</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">excrement of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_188">188</a>, <a href="#Page_194">194</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3" colspan="2">fructifiers of flowers. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVIII">Fructification of Flowers</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">generation, absurd theory of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_48">48</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">harvest season of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_119">119</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">impatient of cold</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_114">114</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">indisposition to ascend with their works</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_112">112</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3" colspan="2">instincts of. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">Instincts of Bees</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">intellect of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_319">319</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">intoxicated sometimes</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3" colspan="2">language of. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#Language">Language of Bees</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">longevity of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_296">296</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">mode of approaching</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_177">177</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">mortality of, extraordinary in 1762</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_186">186</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">numbers in a hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">number of stocks in some situations</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_234">234</a>, <a href="#Page_235">235</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">nymph</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">origin, ancient notion of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_389" id="Page_389">- 389 -</a></span> - overstocking of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_235">235</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">perspiration of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_273">273</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">poison of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_286">286</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">in the pupa state</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">purchase of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_80">80</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3" colspan="2">queen. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#Queen">Queen</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">regurgitating power of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_229">229</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">removal from hives to boxes</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_148">148</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">respiration of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_266">266</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3" colspan="2">scouts. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#Providers">Providers</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">secretions of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_273">273</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3" colspan="2">senses of. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">Senses</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">sexes of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">sleep of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_295">295</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">stinging of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_284">284</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">stingless</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_210">210</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">stock, criterions of a good one</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_81">81</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">suffocation of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_174">174</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">sulphuring of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_174"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3" colspan="2">swarming of. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">Swarming of Bees</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">swarming, not apt to sting </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_138">138</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">striking instance of it </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_139">139</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind11">of the contrary</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_139"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3" colspan="2">transportation of. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#Transportation">Transportation</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3"><a id="wax"></a>wax</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_220">220</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">average quantity in a hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_221">221</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">criterions of good </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_220">220</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">difference from myrtle wax</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_224">224</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">annual consumption of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_222">222</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">secretion of, promoted by electricity</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_232">232</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">separation of from honey </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_216">216</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5" colspan="2">source and nature of. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">Source and Nature of Bees-wax</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">white</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_221">221</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_390" id="Page_390">- 390 -</a></span> - working</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">collectors from birth </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">compared with drones </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">destroy the drones</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">fertile sometimes </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">office of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">sex of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_3">3</a>, <a href="#Page_24">24</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">Cuvier’s remarks on</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Jurine’s dissections of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_24"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">usual number in a hive </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Braggot, or common mead </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_245">245</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Breeding, commencement of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind11">signs of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">early, to promote </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_119">119</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Hubbard’s opinion of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_117">117</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1" colspan="2">Cells, construction of. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">Architecture</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1" colspan="2">Chrysalis. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#Pupa">Pupa</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Circulation </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_271">271</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Clustering </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_123">123</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Cocoons</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_11">11</a>, <a href="#Page_12">12</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Cold, effect of on bees </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_117">117</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">in diminishing the consumption of honey </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_185">185</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Combs, construction of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_340">340</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">constructed sometimes under resting-boards </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_125">125</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Comparative advantages of storifying and single-hiving </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_122">122</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind11">of wooden boxes and straw-hives </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_100">100</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Deprivation </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_162">162</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">to be exercised cautiously </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_163">163</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">possible accident at the time of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_165">165</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">modes of performing</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_167">167</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind11">Isaac’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_170">170</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind11"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_391" id="Page_391">- 391 -</a></span> - Keys’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_170">170</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind11">Dovaston’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_171">171</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind11">Evans’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_172">172</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">proper periods for</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_162">162</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Diseases"></a>Diseases of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_184">184</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Dysentery</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_188">188</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Vertigo</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_189">189</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Tumefaction of Antennæ</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_192">192</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Pestilence or <i>Faux Couvain</i></td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_192"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">probable causes of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_192"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">remedies</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_192"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">preventive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_195">195</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">review of different theories of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_195"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Dividers and other implements</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_107">107</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">their use in deprivation </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_167">167</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Drones"></a>Drones, their use</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_30">30</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">evolution of <i>ab ovo</i></td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">massacre of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">how effected </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">not found in all swarms</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_4">4</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">number usual in a hive </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">occasional preservation of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">sitting upon the eggs </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_6">6</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">opinion of Mr. Morris</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_6"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">of Fabricius</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_6"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">of Kirby and Spence</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_6"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Dunbar’s observations in his mirror-hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_8">8</a>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Eggs—drone, royal, worker </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_8">8</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">first laying of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">great laying of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">misplaced, devoured by workers</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">number of, laid in a given period</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_40">40</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">period at which each sort is laid</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">transportation, opinion of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_392" id="Page_392">- 392 -</a></span> - worker, may be rendered royal</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Electricity, effect on secretion of wax and honey</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_232">232</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Enemies"></a>Enemies of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_199">199</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">protection against</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_203">203</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Excrement of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_188">188</a>, <a href="#Page_194">194</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Exotic"></a>Exotic bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_210">210</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">their honey-cells</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_210"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">of Guadaloupe</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_210"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Guiana</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_211">211</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">India</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_211"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">South America</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_211"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">Basil Hall’s Account</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_211"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Eye of the bee, peculiar construction of. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">Senses</a>.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_312">312</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Farina"></a>Farina</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_370">370</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">collecting of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_371">371</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">time of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_372">372</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">confined to one species of flower on each journey</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_373">373</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Reaumur’s opinion</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_373"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Dobbs, Butler and Sprengel’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_373">373</a>, <a href="#Page_374">374</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">conveyance of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_372">372</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">food of larvæ, and not the constituent of wax</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_371">371</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">fructifying power of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_370">370</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">preparation of for use </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_371">371</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">source of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_370">370</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">storing of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_373">373</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">structure of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_370">370</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Fading </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_179">179</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">importance of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_193">193</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">syrup for</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_193"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">modes of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_193"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">times of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_152">152</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Fermentation, conduct of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_240">240</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Fertility of insects</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_40">40</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_393" id="Page_393">- 393 -</a></span> - Flies in Madeira wine</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_201">201</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Fly, flesh, erroneous judgement respecting</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_306">306</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Food of larvæ</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Fructification"></a>Fructification of flowers</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_380">380</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">instrumentality of bees to that end</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_380"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">bees attracted to flowers by their nectar</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_380"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">accused by Dr. Darwin of injuring flowers</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_380"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">defended by Dr. Evans</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_380"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Opinion of Sir J. E. Smith</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_382">382</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">of Sprengel</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_383">383</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">not the only insects that promote fructification</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_383"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">in the Barberry for instance, the Iris Xiphium, - the Aristolochia Sipho of America, the A. Clematitis, and the Date Palm</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_383"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Hawk-moth"></a>Hawk-moth, Death’s Head</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_208">208</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">ravages committed by it in the apiary</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_208"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">resources of the bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_208"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1" colspan="2">Hearing, sense of. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#Sensation">Sensation, organs of</a>; and <a href="#Senses">Senses</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Hives </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Chelmsford and Hertford </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_96">96</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">compared with boxes </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_100">100</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">construction of, best </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_97">97</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">dimensions of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_96">96</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">distances at which they should stand from each other </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_49">49</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Dunbar’s </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">his observations therein </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">heat occasional in </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">usual in</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">materials proper for</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_394" id="Page_394">- 394 -</a></span> - leaf </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Moreton </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_96">96</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Huber’s </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_91">91</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Huish’s </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_90">90</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">preparation of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Reaumur’s </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_93">93</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">situation proper for </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_49">49</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">straw </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_96">96</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Thorley’s </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_92">92</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Wildman’s </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_93">93</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">with glasses</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_93"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Hiving of swarms </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_136">136</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Super- and Nadir-</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_151">151</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Honey </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_226">226</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">analysis of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_233">233</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">animalization of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_227">227</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">candying of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_196">196</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">contrivances of bees to keep it in open cells </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_228">228</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Corsican, not mulcted by the Romans </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_63">63</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">criterions of good </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_232">232</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">deleterious</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_65">65</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a>, <a href="#Page_230">230</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">flavour affected by pasturage</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_65">65</a>, <a href="#Page_229">229</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind11">by season</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_232">232</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind11">by mode of separation</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_232"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">harvests of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_165">165</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">preservation of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_233">233</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">qualities of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_231">231</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">quantity required for winter consumption </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_162">162</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">average afforded by a colony</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_226">226</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">sometimes taken</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_226"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">secretion of, promoted by electricity</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_232">232</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">separation of, from wax </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_216">216</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">taken by means of dividers </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_167">167</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Honeycomb</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_339">339</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Honey-dew </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_71">71</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_395" id="Page_395">- 395 -</a></span> - ancient opinions of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_71">71</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">modern ditto </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_72">72</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Gilbert White’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_71">71</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Dr. Evans’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_72">72</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Dr. Darwin’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_72"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Mr. Curtis’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_72"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Sir J. E. Smith’s </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Boissier de Sauvages’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_79">79</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">trees addicted to it </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_77">77</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">yields a great harvest to the storifyer </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_78">78</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Humble-bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_207">207</a>, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>, <a href="#Page_319">319</a>, <a href="#Page_327">327</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Humming, causes of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_270">270</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Idiot bee-eater</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_337">337</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Imago</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Implements, bee</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_107">107</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1" colspan="2">Impregnation. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#Queen">Queen</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Instinct </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_318">318</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">definition of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_335">335</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">most remarkable in creatures that congregate </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_318">318</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">of humble-bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_318"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">all the phænomena of insect life not referable to it </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_322">322</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Darwin’s opinion </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_323">323</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Hunter’s </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_330">330</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Virey’s </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_331">331</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Des Cartes’</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_331"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Buffon’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_331"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">circumstance noticed by Dr. Evans</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_325">325</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind11">by Mr. Walond </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_236">236</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Huber’s humble-bees </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_327">327</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Amazon ants </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_323">323</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">bee fortifications </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_328">328</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">anecdote of a beetle </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_330">330</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_396" id="Page_396">- 396 -</a></span> - Instinct may be directed by intellect </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_333">333</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">modified and counteracted by intellect</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_333"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">instanced in birds’ nests</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_333"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">in Sir J. Banks’s spider </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_332">332</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">in dogs </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_333">333</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Maraldi’s Slug</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_320">320</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Reaumur’s Snail319</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Reimar’s opinion of memory </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_333">333</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">weakened by domestication</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_336">336</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">strengthened by concentration</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_336"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Intellect of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_319">319</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">capable of modifying and counteracting instinct</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_333">333</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">capable of directing instinct</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_333"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Jelly, royal </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Jurine, Miss, dissections of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Knowledge distinguished from Wisdom</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_334">334</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Language"></a>Language of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_291">291</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Mr. Knight’s opinion</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_291"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">M. Huber’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_291"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">his experiments</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_291"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Larvæ </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">food of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">progressive growth of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">motions of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">voraciousness of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">inclosure or sealing up of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">commencement of spinning cocoon</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_11"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">worker may become royal</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Leaf-hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Dunbar’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Huber’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_105">105</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Hunter’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Reaumur’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_102"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_397" id="Page_397">- 397 -</a></span> - Leaven, artificial</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_242">242</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">natural</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_240">240</a>, <a href="#Page_242">242</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Locusts, female, destroyed by males</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_46">46</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Longevity of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_296">296</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">extraordinary duration of a colony</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_298">298</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Mead, antiquity of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_236">236</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Braggot, or common </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_245">245</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">directions for making</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_244">244</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">esteemed by our ancestors</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_237">237</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">ideal nectar of the Scandinavians</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_237"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Memory of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_260">260</a>, <a href="#Page_314">314</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Reimar’s opinion</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_333">333</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Metys</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_378">378</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Mortality among bees and wasps</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_186">186</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Moth-wax</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_199">199</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">eggar, anecdote of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_306">306</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3" colspan="2">hawk. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#Hawk-moth">Hawk-moth</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Motions of insects</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_274">274</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">instances of extraordinary power of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_275">275</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Nadir-hiving</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_151">151</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Nutrition</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_272">272</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Nymph</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">resemblance to a mummy</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Palpi</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_256">256</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Pasturage"></a>Pasturage</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">effect on the flavour of honey</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_230">230</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">ancient opinion of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Barthelemy’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_65"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Duppa’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_230">230</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">noxious</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_230">230</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Xenophon’s opinion of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_67">67</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Tournefort’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_67"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_398" id="Page_398">- 398 -</a></span> - Darwin’s opinion of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_68">68</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Barton’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_231">231</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Pellets, moulding of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_372">372</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Perspiration </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_273">273</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Pissoceros </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_378">378</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Poison of Bees </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_286">286</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">its nature</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_286"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">crystallizes in drying</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_286"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1" colspan="2">Pollen. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#Farina">Farina</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Propolis </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_375">375</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">analysis of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_375"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">mode of conveying </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_376">376</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">source of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_376"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Huber’s experiments</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_376"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Evans’s observations </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_377">377</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Knight’s </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_378">378</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">form of its pellets </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_377">377</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">variously compounded with wax </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_378">378</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">time of gathering </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_379">379</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">uses of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_375">375</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">substitutes sometimes used for</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_378">378</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Reaumur’s experiment</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_378"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Providers"></a>Providers, or Scouts </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_131">131</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Warder’s opinion of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_132">132</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Butler’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_132"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Knight’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_132"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Evans’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_132"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Duchet’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_132"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Reaumur’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_132"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Buffon’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_132"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Bonnet’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_132"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Huber’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_132"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Bonner’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_135">135</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Pupa"></a>Pupa</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">resemblance of to a mummy </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_399" id="Page_399">- 399 -</a></span> - <a id="Queen"></a>Queen-bees, artificial </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">discovery attributed to Schirach</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_20"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">said to have been long known </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">opinions of Vogel and Monticelli</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_20"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">experiment of Dunbar </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_22">22</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">not mute as Huber supposed</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">attachment of workers to </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_141">141</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">enmity towards, and combats with each other </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_281">281</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">evolution of <i>ab ovo</i></td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">homage paid to</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_144">144</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">impregnation of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">opinions concerning</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_25"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Bonner’s </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Bonnet’s </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Butler’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Debraw’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Dobbs’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Fleming’s </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_32">32</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Hattorf’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Huber’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_28">27</a>, <i>et seq.</i></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Huish’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Hunter’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Linnæus’s </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Lombard’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Maraldi’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Reaumur’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Schirach’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Swammerdam’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Wildman’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">objections to Huber’s theory</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_36"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">impregnation retarded</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_37">37</a>, <a href="#Page_41">41</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">intercourse with drones</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <i>et seq.</i></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">probable duration of fertilizing influence</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_400" id="Page_400">- 400 -</a></span> - laying, commencement of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">affected by temperature</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_37"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">loss of, its consequences</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_144">144</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">mode of depositing eggs</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_8">8</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">mode of searching for when a stock has been suffocated </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_174">174</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">mutilated, lose their instincts </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_309">309</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">prescience (supposed) of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">prisoners when very young </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">reason of this</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_17"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">virgin, when first seek the drones</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">voice of, authoritative </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_128">128</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">when imprisoned </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Reason, human, definition of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_335">335</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">insect, definition of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_335"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">presumptive evidence of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_322">322</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">difference between human and insect </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_335">335</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">observations of Reid </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_356">356</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind11">of Evans</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_356"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Regurgitating power of bees </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_229">229</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Reimar’s opinion of memory </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_333">333</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Reproduction, organs of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_275">275</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">ovaries </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_276">276</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">oviducts</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_276"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">ovipositor </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_277">277</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">sperm-reservoir</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_277"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Respiration, organs of </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_266">266</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">evidences of their existence </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_267">267</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">stigmata, spiracles or breathing pores </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_266">266</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">tracheæ</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_266"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Riem’s discovery </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Salt, of use to bees </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_186">186</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Schirach’s discovery </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1" colspan="2"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_401" id="Page_401">- 401 -</a></span> - Scouts. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#Providers">Providers</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Secretions of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_273">273</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Sensation"></a>Sensation of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_258">258</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">medium of its communication</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_259">259</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">its seat</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_259"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">bees have a common sensorium</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_259"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">evidences of it</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_259"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">protracted vitality</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_259"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">memory </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_260">260</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">instances of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_260"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">Reimar’s opinion of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_333">333</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">susceptible of instruction</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_261">261</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">instances of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_261"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">organs of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_258">258</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">antennæ</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_262">262</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">opinions of their offices</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_262"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind11">facts in support of them</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_263">263</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">palpi</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_263"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">uses ascribed to</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_263"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Senses"></a>Senses of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_302">302</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">smell</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_302"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">instances of its acuteness</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_303">303</a>, <i>et seq.</i></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">touch</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_307">307</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">analogy from ants</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_291">291</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">taste</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_309">309</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">hearing</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_310">310</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">evidences of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_310"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">sight</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_311">311</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind9">not very perfect</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_311"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Dr. Virey’s theory</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_316">316</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Sensorium</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_259">259</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Separation of wax and honey</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_216">216</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Shed for bees </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_99">99</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Sleep of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_295">295</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Source"></a>Source of bees-wax</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_356">356</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_402" id="Page_402">- 402 -</a></span> - Source and nature of bees-wax; pollen formerly - supposed to be the prime constituent of it </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_356">356</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">striking difference between them</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_356"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">wax proved to be a secretion from the body of the bee</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_362">362</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">experiments and observations of Huber, Thorley, Duchet, Wildman, - Hunter and Evans</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_362">362</a>, <i>et seq.</i></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">regular division of labour</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_367">367</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">hence wax-working and nursing-bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_367"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">experiment to show the designation of pollen</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_367"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">other sources of wax</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_368">368</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1" colspan="2">Sphinx Atropos. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#Hawk-moth">Hawk-moth</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Spider, anecdotes of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_261">261</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">fertilization of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Sir Joseph Banks’s</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_332">332</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Stemmata</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_315">315</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">experiments of Swammerdam, Reaumur, &c.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_315">315</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Sting of working-bee</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_277">277</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">fatal consequences attending its use</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_278">278</a>, <a href="#Page_283">283</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">not apt to be used when the bee is distant from home </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_289">289</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">of queen-bee</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_279">279</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">her cautious use of it</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_286">286</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">compared with sharp instruments</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_286"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Stinging, remedies for</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_284">284</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">precautions against, when attacked</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_285">285</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Storifying</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_109">109</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">will not always prevent swarming</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_124">124</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">compared with single-hiving</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_122">122</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Suffocating or sulphuring of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_174">174</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Sugar an excellent substitute for honey</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_360">360</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Super-hiving</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_124">124</a>, 151</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Swarming"></a>Swarming</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">causes of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_115"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_403" id="Page_403">- 403 -</a></span> - usual periods of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_119">119</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">best periods of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_119"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">instance of very early</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_119"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">disadvantages of early and late</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">heat produced by</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_273">273</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">bees not apt to sting at this time</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_138">138</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">striking instance of this</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_139">139</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">instance to the contrary</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_139"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">importance of queen at the time</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">experiments in proof of it</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_141">141</a>, <i>et seq.</i></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Swarms, number thrown off in a season</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">intervals betwixt successive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">hiving of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_136">136</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">union of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_154">154</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">causes of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">period usual of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind7">best</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_119">119</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">early</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_119"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">late</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_119"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">led off by senior queen</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">symptoms preceding</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Syrup for feeding bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_179">179</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Temperature of a well-stocked hive of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_274">274</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">occasional ditto</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_274"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Touch</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_307">307</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1"><a id="Transportation"></a>Transportation of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">Isaac’s success from</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_159"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">practised in Egypt, France, Italy and Greece</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_159">159-161</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Union of swarms or stocks</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_154">154</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">Mr. Walond’s method of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_157">157</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">methods practised by others</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_154">154</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Ventilation</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_268">268</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">how accomplished</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_268"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Vitality protracted</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_259">259</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="2"> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1" colspan="2"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_404" id="Page_404">- 404 -</a></span> - Wax. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">Bees-wax</a>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">myrtle</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_223">223</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind5">its difference from bees-wax</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_224">224</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">pockets</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_365">365</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">working-bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_366">366</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Wasps, formidable enemies of bees </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_199">199</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">importance of destroying queens in spring</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_206">206</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">fact respecting them noticed by Mr. Knight</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_290">290</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">extraordinary dearth of in 1806, 1815 and 1824</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_186">186</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Wildman’s feats</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_155">155</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Wine-making, general principles of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_240">240</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">elements necessary to its formation</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_240">240</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">sweet</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_240"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">dry</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_241">241</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">fining</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_246">246</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind3">stumming</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_246"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1">Wisdom as distinguished from Knowledge</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_334">334</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="mind1" colspan="2">Working-bees. <i>Vide</i> <a href="#Bees">Bees</a>.</td> -</tr> -</table> - - - -<p class="caption3 pmt4 pmb4">THE END.</p> - 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