The equivocal generation of bees is copiously dwelt on in Bochart's _Hierozoicon_, London, 1663, fol., Part II. p. 502. Instances of their attaching themselves to dead bodies, in spite of their ordinary antipathy, are given at p. 506. EIRIONNACH. * * * * * VANDYKE IN AMERICA. (Vol. viii., pp. 182. 228.) To your correspondent C. I would say, that his observation--that the Query was as to an _engraving_, whilst my answer was as to a _picture_--is not true; as I am sure, from memory, that MR. WESTMACOTT used the word "portraits." But I plead in extenuation of my pretended grave offence, 1. That the Query was not propounded by C., but by a gentleman to whom the information given might be, as I supposed, of some interest; more particularly as I referred to the _Travels_ of an Englishman, both of which, author and work, were accessible. 2. That, in common with the American readers of "N. & Q.," I regarded it as "a journal of inter-communication," through whose columns information might be asked for, the request to be treated with the same consideration and courtesy as though addressed to each individual subscriber. I may add that LORD BRAYBROOKE and MR. WODDERSPOON (Vol. iv., p. 17.) have urged "the necessity for recording the existence of painted historical portraits, scattered, as we know they are," &c. {229} Now, as to the expression "worthies, famous in English history." I presume I need do no more concerning its application to Lord Orrery, Sir Robert Walpole, &c., than say, it was used as signifying "men of mark," without intending to endorse their "worth" either morally, mentally, or politically; its application to Colonel Hill and Colonel Byrd, as meaning "men of worth," might, did your limits permit, be defended on high grounds. Then as to the possibility of Vandyke's having painted the portraits. If C. will have the kindness to look at C. Campbell's _History of Virginia_, he will find,-- "1654. At a meeting of the Assembly, William Hatchin, having been convicted of having called Colonel Edward Hill 'an atheist and blasphemer,' was compelled to make acknowledgment of his offence upon his knees before Colonel Hill and the Assembly."