.. and by the development of a "tongue"
for sucking liquid food,' the last of which peculiarities, it is
interesting to note, they shared with Claude Nutcombe Boyd,
Elizabeth's brother, who for quite a long time--till his money ran
out--had made liquid food almost his sole means of sustenance.
These things, however, are by the way. We are not such snobs as to
think better or worse of a bee because it can claim kinship with
the _Hymenoptera_ family, nor so ill-bred as to chaff it for
having large feet. The really interesting passage in the article
occurs later, where it says: 'The bee industry prospers greatly in
America.'
This is one of those broad statements that invite challenge.
Elizabeth Boyd would have challenged it. She had not prospered
greatly. With considerable trouble she contrived to pay her way,
and that was all.
Again referring to the 'Encyclopaedia,' we find the words: 'Before
undertaking the management of a modern apiary, the beekeeper
should possess a certain amount of aptitude for the pursuit.' This
was possibly the trouble with Elizabeth's venture, considered from
a commercial point of view. She loved bees, but she was not an
expert on them. She had started her apiary with a small capital, a
book of practical hints, and a second-hand queen, principally
because she was in need of some occupation that would enable her
to live in the country.
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