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The Sting: Bee-poison

Bee-poison expresses the concentrated anger of the bee, and to that is generally added more or less anger of our own, which probably assists the action of the other. The Sting Bee-poison, composed largely of formic acid and an organic poison, is a most harmless-looking, colorless liquid, which may be seen hanging to the sting of an angry bee like a sweet and pearly dew-drop. But be not deceived, K V K ١٠ Side view of the sting. it is no dew-drop, but the very essence of wrath, a most active and virulent poison, more pervading even than the venom of the serpent or the poison of hydrophobia, for those may be taken into the stomach with impunity, while this is as vicious there as when received into the blood through the skin.

When the poison is placed upon the tongue there is a slight burning sensation, quickly followed by an agonizing, acrid, metallic taste and a sharp stinging impression. Curiosity may tempt many to taste bee-poison once, but few will voluntarily repeat the experiment. It can be quickly washed from the tongue with cold water and should not be swallowed as it may give rise, even in this small quantity, to very grievous sensations !