flavoured. The cells are of smaller dimensions than those of the domestic bee; and it is probable, though not so stated, contain only brood; the honey being found in small cups or sacklets. The larvæ, it appears, are esteemed a delicacy; for the historian tells us, that "when roasted and seasoned with salt," they have the taste and flavour of sweet almonds. This species collect their honey stores, and live much in the same way with the honey-bees of Europe. Other small stingless bees are mentioned, which establish themselves under ground, in nests of a globular shape, but of very coarse workmanship; their honey, too, is inferior, and is never used but in default of better. We have given a figure of a Mexican Bee-Nest, constructed by insects of the genus Trigones, copied from Latreille, (Pl. XXVII.)
It is probably of the species first mentioned by Hernandez, that Captains Beechey and Hall have given us the details. In domesticating their bees, the Mexicans lodge them in hives formed of short logs of wood, from 2 to 3 feet long, hollowed out about 5 inches in diameter, having the ends filled with clay, or wooden doors removeable at pleasure; and a hole for entrance bored on one side, about halfway between the ends. They are suspended in a horizontal position from the branches of trees, or from the cottage eaves.[1] The hive which Captain Hall examined was made of earthen ware, ornamented with raised figures and circular rings, and was hung in the virandah of a dwelling house. The
- ↑ A hive of this kind was sent to the celebrated Huber.
