On the death of their master or mistress one of the family or household must go to the hives and tap on them and say who is dead and who is to be their new master. If this is neglected the bees will pine away. Some sugared beer is given to the bees at these times.
The various flights of bees are named as follows: A swarm. 2. A cast. 3. A colt or second cast, and should there be a fourth, which is very rare, it is called a spem—a swarm from a swarm is called a virgin swarm.
The different values of the swarms are described in this rhyme:
A swarm of bees in May
Is worth a load of hay;
A swarm of bees in June
Is worth a silver spoon;
A swarm of bees in July
Is not worth a fly.
Bees flying far from their hives and coming home late foretells fine weather.
Bees are more industrious just before rain, but do their best to reach their hives before the rain falls.
Insects.
Spiders were considered efficacious in cases of Ague. If put alive in a bag and tied round the neck or swallowed alive wrapped in paste.
If you wish to live and thrive
Let the spiders run alive.
Spider webs in the air or on the grass and nets foretells fair weather.