The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-02-12
Honey Bee-Lecture of DR.. Morris,

The structure and habits of the Honey
Bee are exceedingly curious and interest
ing. In various countries ithas been made
the subject of much patient investigation.
DR.. Morris Lecture at the Smithsonian
Institution on the evening Of the goth in
slant on this subject was, in the main, truth
full and valuable. Some of his statements
Of small practical consequence may not
be exactly accurate, and few items not
mentioned may be useful to the cultiyator
Of bees.
The Doctor says, wherever the sun
shine and flowers bloom the bee has
home" If we say finds home the as
sertion is truthful. In America bees seems
to 70 with European settlements; some-
times considerably in advance. think
they have not yet crossed the Rocky Noun
tains. "The old queen stings the young
queen TO DEATH" 1t is doubted whether
in tho queen bee the sting is sufficiently
developed for use as weapon OF offence
or defence. Certain it is that she may be
handled without the least apprehension OF
being stung by her.
The lecturer further remarked that when
the old queen perceives the young queens
coming out (of their cells, she commences
killing them; and when prevented by the
workers "she uttered clear, shrill sound "
Is it the old queen that utters that sound!
1t is never heard previous to the egress Of
the first swans, and invariably foretelis
subsequent swarmings. The sound is
first made by the queen while, yet enveloP'
ed in her cell and again after she energies
BY this sound the observant apiarian, with
out mistake, will know the day when any
hive will send out a colony if the weather
admit.
s "Bees (says the lecturer) are villanous
thieves. They enter hive and steal away
the honey" Bees never pay compliment
tary or friendly visits. A bee never lights
upon the platform of hive not its owr
with honest intentions. The careful OBJ
server will detect a strange bee. ltis vel
known as an enemy by the guard at tht
entrance to the hive; for guard, day ane
night, is stationed there OF sufficient force
to repel intruders, and will certainly do i
if this entrance in size is properly adjust
ed to the use of the community. Atten
ton 10 this subject will prevent robberies
among bees.
Where, however, the entrance is OF ar
unnecessary and unreasonable size, enc
mics will effect an entrance in spite o
the guard. Then war of determination
or subugaton ensues. 1t is fierce ant
dreadful. Reinforcements on both sides
are rapid, and many bees are slain. Ih'
battle is soon determined, nearly Away
in favor of the assailants. The strong arr
most likely to attack the weak. The van
quished party then unites with the con
querors, assists to carry away their owl
honey, and goes with it. Such is the wa
of bees. The following is the best way Il
manage robbing bees. Close the door Q
the hive five minutes; in this time the rob
bers will have obtained their loads, ant
will be pressing to the door. Open it, AM
lot them out, and as soon as the hive
emptied Of these intruders, close again $
nearly as that but single bee can pas
at a time. With so small space the rob
bers will soon give over; after which ope
gradually. When robbers are thus sud
denly checked, they often attack an ada
cent hive with rush which the guar
cannot resist This should be looked tc
and it will be prudent, at the time of loo'
ing the entrance to the hive first attacked
also greatly to reduce the width Of the er
trance to all the hives standing near, unit
this danger is past.
These directions are given on the pr
sumption thai the hive is ventilated, as e.
cry hive should be. Without ventilation
in hot day, five minutes exclusion
the atmospheric air, may be dangerou
or fatal In this case caution must
used. but upon the Same principle the j
fallieent aniarian can sill succeed.