170 PERFECT SOCIETIES or INSECTS. 



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 con- 

 finement, and treat her very unhandsomely. One 

 may conjecture from this circumstance, 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 prepa- 

 ratory agitation*. 



I am, &c. 



" Iluber, i. 316. 



