SOCIAL MATERNITY. 



97 



the prop of the state, instead of only being supported by it, 

 it is but just and proper that their infancy should be confided 

 (Spartan-like) to the care of public nurses. 



We see, therefore, that the royal mother of the hive, when 

 she thus willingly relinquishes all property in her numerous 

 progeny, fulfils as completely the duties of her exalted station, 

 as head and parent of a nation, as the solitary poppy bee, the 

 parent of humble private life, when, with prospective tender- 

 ness and care, she labours, herself, for the support and preser- 

 vation of her single nurseling. Thus, with those varied de- 

 velopments of maternal instinct and affection exhibited in the 

 insect world as in all its ways, and works, performed under 

 the directing guidance of Him who cannot err all is harmo- 

 nious, consistent, and adapted to its purposed end. 







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