Chap. XIV.
The Bees.
London. Published by W. Darton Junʳ. Oct. 1ˢᵗ. 1815.
“All these,” said Mrs. Mansfield, “are young bees, that have been hatched this summer; and now that they are grown up, the hive is too small to contain them. They therefore have left it; and are going to seek another place for themselves; and it is generally supposed that a tinkling noise will keep them from going to a distance; though, whether it has any effect or not, I cannot pretend to determine.”
By this time the bees had settled in a cluster on the branch of a tree, where they all hung together in one great mass. Old Ralph then took an empty hive, and shook them into it, having previously covered his hands and face, that he might not be stung.
“How do bees make honey, grandmamma?” inquired Charles.
Mrs. Mansfield. By means of their long trunks they suck up the sweetness that is in the cups of flowers.
Charles. And is that honey?