414 PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 



bly direct the bees to this end. There are certain exceptions, produced 

 perhaps by artificial or casual occurrences, in which it seems to deviate, 

 yet, as we should call it, amiably, from the rule of the public advantage. 

 Retarded queens, which, as I have observed, lay male eggs only, deposit 

 them in all cells indifferently, even in royal ones. These last are treated 

 by the workers as if they were actually to become queens. Here their 

 instinct seems defective : — it appears unaccountable that they should know 

 these eggs, as they do when deposited in worker cells, and give them a 

 convex covering when about to assume the pupa ; unless, perhaps, the size 

 of the larva directs them in this case. 



The amputation of one of the antennae of a queen bee appears not to 

 affect her perceptibly ; but cutting off both these important organs pro- 

 duces a very striking derangement of all her proceedings. She seems in a 

 species of delirium, and deprived of all her instincts ; every thing is done 

 at random ; yet the respect and homage of the workers towards her, 

 though they are received by her with indifference, continue undiminished. 

 If another in the same condition be put in the hive, the bees do not appear 

 to discover the difference, and treat them both alike ; but if a perfect one 

 be introduced, even though fertile, they seize her, keep her in confinement, 

 and treat her very unhandsomely. One may conjecture from this circum- 

 stance that it is by those wonderful organs, the antennae, that the bees 

 know their own queen. If two mutilated queens meet, they show not 

 the slightest symptom of resentment. While one of these continues in 

 the hive, the workers never think of choosing another ; but if she leaves 

 it, they do not accompany her, probably because the heat is not increased 

 by her putting them into the preparatory agitation.^ 



I am, &;c. 



' Huber, i. 316. 



