STARLINGS AND BEES.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIB, Knowing you are interested in strange stories in Natural History perhaps you would like to have the following. A swarm of bees took up their abode in a hole in the wall of this house—the hole was about 6 ins. in diameter, and in the middle of it protruded the waste water pipe which lets off the water from the kitchen boiler. The hole had been occupied for several years in succession by some starlings, who had built there, and they had got a nest there at the time. When the swarm of bees came into it, it incommoded the starlings a good deal, as there was hardly room for both. The bees crawled all over the little birds, and sat upon their backs, but apparently there was no stinging. The starlings took no notice at all, but went on as usual with their domestic life. I think the popping in and out of the birds worried the bees— anyhow, the swarm stayed for about four days, and although they began to make their cells, they finally decided it would not do, so on the fourth morning they all cleared out and left the starlings' in peace.—I. am; Sir; &c., EVA O'MALT.zr-. Denton, Cuddesdon, Oxford.
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