Curiosities & wonders > New observations on the natural history of bees

214
ECONOMICAL
of opening these hives at pleasure that all;
the advantages are concentrated, which Ijiii
expect in perfecting the economical know*jft
ledge of bees.
When I observe that bees may be ren*|j
dered tractable,! conceive it need not be add4(
ed that I do not arrogate to myself the 4
absurd pretence of taming them, for this ex-p
cites a vague idea of deception ; and I would t
willingly avoid the hazard of exposing my®
self to any such reproach. I ascribe their jh
tranquillity, on opening the hives, to the j!*
manner in which they are affected by thek
sudden introduction of light; then, they j|
appear rather to testify fear than anger*j,
Many retire, and entering the cells seem to j ,j
conceal themselves. My conjecture is con-| j
firmed by their being less tractable during j
night or after sunset than through the day.; (
Thus, we must open the hives, while the i;
sun is above the horizon, cautiously, and i
without any sudden shock. Separating the |
divisions slowly, and taking care to wound ^
none of the bees. If they cluster too much :
on the combs, it is necessary to brush them !
off with a feather; and breathing on them
is to be anxiously avoided. The air which
we expire seems to excite their fury; it cer-