CH. IV.] THE HIVE BEE. 81 



is a fact which need not be disputed : but that they 

 act merely from the impulse of these sensations, 

 without any plan previously concerted, seems to be 

 contradictory both to reason and inference. That 

 their proceedings are conducted upon a plan which 

 does not result from mere sensation, is proved by 

 the fact that they vary their proceedings accord- 

 ing to circumstances. Their well-known irasci- 

 bility leaves no room to doubt that they are sus- 

 ceptible of the passion of anger; and that they are 

 liable to be acted on by fear and alarm is universally 

 acknowledged : and, admitting them to be suscep- 

 tible of anger and fear, it does seem unreasonable 

 to infer that they are, at the same time, incapable 

 of feeling affection. Farther, the precautions which 

 they are known to adopt, to prevent and ward off 

 any evils which seem to threaten them, also prove 

 that they possess a certain degree of foresight. 

 Without rivalling man either in intellect or feeling, 

 they may be endowed with that measure of each 

 which is necessary for their purposes. 



After all, the moving principle which impels and 

 regulates the proceedings of the social tribes of 

 insects, is involved in a depth of mystery which, 

 with all our boasted advantages, we in vain attempt 

 to fathom : the motives which urge them to fulfil, 

 in so remarkable, though diversified a way, their 

 different destinies, baffle the researches of human 

 sagacity. But however impenetrable may be the 

 veil which conceals these mysteries from our sight, 

 one thing is clear to demonstration, — that these 

 creatures and their instincts loudly proclaim the 

 power, wisdom, and goodness of the great Father 

 of the universe, and prove, beyond all cavil and 

 doubt, the existence of a superintending Providence, 

 which watches with incessant care over the welfare 

 of the meanest of his creatures. 



