which these insects collect their honey and wax, form their cells, and deposit their store. She had, by books, acquired a knowledge of the natural history of bees, which enabled her to examine their work with much greater satisfaction than she would have received from the sight of them had she been only taught to consider them as little stinging creatures which it was dangerous to approach.
"This is quite a treat to me indeed," said she to Mrs. Wilson, "for I never before had an opportunity of seeing bees work in glass hives."
"I find my account," said Mrs. Wilson, "in keeping bees thus, even upon a principle of economy; for as I do not destroy them, I have great numbers to work for me, and more honey every year than the last, notwithstanding I feed my bees in the winter. I have made acquaintance with the queen of every hive, who will come to me whenever I call her, and you shall see one of them if you please."
On this she called in a manner which the inhabitants of the hive they were looking at were accustomed to, and a large bee soon settled on her hand; in an instant after she was covered from head to foot with bees.
Harriet was fearful lest they should sting, and Frederick was running away; but Mrs. Wilson
