MEXICAN BEES. SG5 



individual bearing a small particle of wax or of propolis in 

 his mandibles, which he deposited in his turn upon the soiled 

 part of the wood. The little labourers then returned to the 

 hive, and repeated the operation until a small pile rose above 

 the blemished part, and completely relieved the inhabitants 

 from its annoyance. 



If the existence of such a sentinel as has just been described 

 can safely be admitted, his utility would be unquestionable, as 

 being at all times prepared to encounter a straggling stranger, 

 or to give warning of the approach of a more numerous body 

 of foes. Such foes actually exist in moderately sized black 

 ants, which sometimes in small, and occasionally in large, 

 bands attack the hive, and between which and the industrious 

 bees desperate conflicts often take place. In these struggles 

 the bees generally obtain the victory; but they are occa- 

 sionally mastered by the overpowering numbers of their 

 opponents. 



