Page:Jardine Naturalist's library Bees.djvu/125

Rh. That a species of honey-dew is secreted by the Aphides, there can be no doubt; but that in these insects we are to look for its exclusive source, is a proposition we do not think borne out by facts. "If it fell from the atmosphere," says Curtis, "it would cover every thing on which it fell indiscriminately; whereas, we never find it but on certain living plants and trees." The proposition in the beginning of this quotation we readily accede to; the assertion at its close we can contradict from personal observation. We have, as already stated, seen the dry stones and gravel walks in the neighbourhood of plantations completely spotted with the liquid in a sultry summer evening; and this, be it observed, not immediately under the trees, so as to warrant the supposition that it had been projected there by the aphides above, but at the distance of many yards from any plant or tree on which the insects might have taken their station. Curtis maintains, also, that "though wasps are partial to this food, bees appear totally to disregard it." He is surely mistaken in this. During the continuance of honey-dew, every oak, elm, plane, and lime tree is literally covered with these insects; and the observer has only to bring the tip of his tongue in contact with one of the leaves, to be convinced that the honey-dew is there, and that this is the great attraction to the bees, which are eagerly availing themselves of the liquid treasure, and expressing their delight in the joyous hum that is heard over head. The most obvious way, perhaps, of reconciling such well-known facts with the