The bee is not usually found in the Physiologus The Epiphanius versions says that the bee is the smallest of birds, and is principly enjoyed for the sweetness it produces. The interpretation is that the divine works are incomprehensible to men, and of the highest wonder, sweeter than honey and honeycomb and above all creation the most pleasant.

The van der Borcht copperplate engraving below shows bees around three hives, attached to a house.


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The woodcut from the Rome, 1577 edition is unavailable.

Properties of the Bee