SENSES OF INSECTS. 261 
of the proboscis, the creature started back in an instant, 
quitted its food, clapped its wings, and walked about in 
great agitation, and would have taken flight if the pencil 
had not been removed. On this, it began to eat again ; 
but on the experiment being repeated, showed similar 
signs of discomposure : oil of marjoram produced the 
same effect, but more promptly and certainly. Bees not 
engaged m feeding appeared more sensible of the impres- 
sion of this odour, and at a greater distance; but those 
engaged in absorbing honey might be touched in every 
other part without being disturbed. He seized several 
of them, forced them to unfold their proboscis, and then 
stopped their mouth with paste. When this was become 
sufficiently dry to prevent their getting rid of it, he re- 
stored to them their liberty : they appeared not incom- 
moded by being thus gagged, but moved and respired 
as readily as their companions. He then tempted them 
with honey, and presented to them near the mouth, oil 
of turpentine, and other odours that they usually have 
an aversion to ; but all produced no sensible effect upon 
them, and they even walked upon the pencils saturated 
with them a . 
These experiments incontestibly prove that the organ 
of scent in bees — and there is no reason to think that 
other insects do not follow the same law — is in or near 
the mouth, and above the proboscis. It remains, there- 
fore, that we endeavour to discover its precise situation : 
and as insects cannot tell us, nor can we perceive by 
their actions, in what precise part the sense in question 
Huber Abeilles ii. 375 — . Dr. Bevan in his interesting work on 
the Honey- Bee adopts the opinion here stated with respect to the 
organ of smell in that animal. 2G5, 30.'$. 
