The Meeker herald., 1904-02-27
Bees Hiding Places
Strange Places swarms Seek az
Homes In California.


choosing queer hiding places In various
Southern California towns the persistent
little honeymakers have invaded bank
blocks. churches. stores, private DWELL
ings. schoolhnuses and tamale stands to
such an extent that business and re-
ligion; education and personal comfort
nave been sadly interfered with.
Fullerton, an enterprislng agricultural
community. has been the scene of their
especial activities. and the inhabitants OF
the charming town have had exciting
out of their homes and places Of bust
srs have been Inc oI h, e
honey close under the roof of the Fuller
ton bank and every effort that has been
been Intellectual. During. their winged
nilgrimages they frequently invaded the
banking room. where they set employees
was tearing of hair, grooming and IN
dignifed jumping about. i few weeks
ago man was found who gladly agreed
standing chat his remuneration for the
job was TO he the honey that had been
n msn,. among the rafters for
screened with mosquito and wire netting.
orange honey. He Two SOLD ,NhS the ' cargo t Of
good. hard cash. then whIs!led defiantly
10 work at the same old stand.
In one instance swarm tried to take
possession of u living room In a private
house, The window had been left open.
and the unlimited guests fiocked in as.
,Ionr as they had received inTita
their festivities to a dry goods box One
OF the largest swarms of bees ever seen
In this vicinity recently tried to bolt their
being baked In their Intentions by find
ing doors shut and windows down. they
ters-a Mexican vendors tamaIe stand
where they attempted to establish a
permanent camp, much to the consterna-
uon CT the swarthy merchant.
which has become famous because OF its
historic mission. was infested by bees.
and their effect on religion and the de-
velopmcnt of Christianity was democrat
izing in the extreme: In the summer time
open,s and as there was no screens In
yestigating bees would temporarily sus-
ton. The following amusing story is told
In connection with this church.
sive service the minister was sending
up solemn prayer OF Thanksgiving. He
suddenly struck his elbow Resembling
thusiasm rose vigorously, thrilling the
l knselins deyotionals with the Wildly
d spossg T Ssseat 10 Old in
front row responded with a loud Amen
while little bee. suffering the agonies
of death writhed on page of the open
Bible. Because of the bees many hu-
morous Incidents occurred in this pie
t ,inresaue little meeting house. Many
with all their artillery set for action.
would swoop down on the worshipers and
Psty mt a sa nSus action Al
church. and aftor repeated attempts the
CALIFORNIA; Fees sometimes 20 to school.
and pupils. As the bees are unruiy and
naGenble and AverSe to educational
discipiine the effect on the pupils is de-
'n Bees That have become pre,udiced
against life in the conventional apiary
like hfet to hide away In low. dark attics.
where they can fasten their honeyed
tween the ss Weather boardink and The he
plsstering. Sometimes the weight of
il on ara the aa nG a sa sss
ceilings. The favorite swarming time OF
bees IL in the latter part of spring.
in bloom and condttions are most p favor or
able for the establishment Of new guar
tiers. The methods employed by the bees
for-seecting a new home are methodical
and clever in the extreme. A detachment
is sent out to make investigations: They
retqrn t. the hys and Then bss
that joins the winged caravan must gorge
himself with honey. SO he will have
enough to last him until he is comforts
ably settled in the new home and ready
to go to work in earnest. Each bee must
also carry along a supply Of wax for
making comb.
The greatest Difference Ia extended TO
the queen bee by her subjects and no
bees are larger and heavier than the
worker bees and 1t is impossible for
them to go far without getting tired. as
they are 'unaccustoned to flying. Con-
seguently numerous rests must be taken
while on the way. When the queen be-
comes exhausted she usually lights on
the limb of tree to rest. and all her
nnh b hang , about The. her and to ,. one
tLxInE ball. that threatens disaster to
anything that tries to modest II. Some
eral hours. but usually the time for
"refreshment' Is about ten minutes.
When the queen is rested she gives the
signal and on they go.-New York
Tribune. tlE