500 INSTINCT OF INSECTS. 



another, but more or fewer instincts. — That it is not al- 

 ways easy to determine what actions are to be referred 

 to a distinct instinct and what to a modification of an in- 

 stinct, I am very ready to admit; but this is no sohd 

 ground for regarding all instincts as modifications of 

 some one principle. It is often equally difficult to fix 

 the limits between instinct and reason ; but we are not 

 on this account justified in deeming them the same. 



This multitude of instincts in the same individual, be- 

 comes more wonderful when considered in another point 

 of view. Were they constantly to follow each other in 

 regular sequence, so that each bee necessarily first be- 

 gan to build cells, then to collect honey, next pollen, 

 and so on, we might plausibly enough refer them to 

 some change in the sensations of the animal, caused by 

 alterations in the structure and gradual development of 

 its organs, in the same way as on similar principles we 

 explain the sexual instincts of the superior tribes. But 

 it is certain that no such consecutive series prevails. 

 The different instincts of the bee are called into action 

 in an order regulated solely by the needs of the society. 

 If combs be wanted, no bee collects honey for storing 

 until they are provided ^ : and if, when constructed, any 

 accident injure or destroy them, every labour is sus- 

 pended until the mischief is repaired or new ones sub- 

 stituted''. When the crevices round the hive are effec- 

 tually secured with propolis, the instinct directing the 

 collection of this substance lies dormant: but transfer 

 the bees to a new hive which shall require a new luting, 

 and it is instantly re-excited. But these instances are 



* Hiiber, ii. 64. " Ibid. ii. 138. 



