Yes. They are always employed; they take care in the summer to provide food for the winter; and build themselves little rooms in which they are preserved from the cold. They pay also a necessary attention to cleanliness; they carefully throw out any accidental dirt, and the dead bees.
WILLIAM.
But, Sir, if it should happen that a snail, or any other insect enters the hive, would they immediately drive it away?
DR. BARTLETT.
When they find such an insect, after they have killed it, they enclose it in wax, so that no damage can arise from it.—Observe what harmony reigns in the hive; every one has his particular post. One flies out to gather honey; another takes care of the wax; and a third has his business in the hive. They who remain at home, come to the entrance of the hive, to take the load from those who fly abroad: and this way they relieve and help each other. We may then justly compare them to a virtuous family; where every one is diligently employed to make his companions happy.
CHARLES.
But I think I see one much larger than the rest.
DR. BARTLETT.
You are quick-sighted, it is the queen you see, and they pay her all possible respect: there is never more than one queen in a swarm.
CHARLES.