192 PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 



ing^ is over, that for collecting honey comes on (he 

 means, probably, for making the principal collection of 

 it) ; and that when the last pupa is disclosed, the cell 

 it deserts, after being cleaned, is immediately filled 

 with it; and as soon as full is covered with pure wax : 

 but this only holds with respect to the cells containing 

 honey for winter use, those destined to receive that 

 which forms their food when bad weather prevents 

 them from going out, being left open^. Sometimes, 

 when the year is remarkably favourable for collecting 

 honey, the bees will destroy many of the larvae to make 

 room for it ; but they never meddle with the pupje. 

 When no more honey is to be collected, they remain 

 quiet in the hive for the winter. Mr. Hunter found 

 that a hive grew lighter in a cold than in a warm week; 

 he found also, that in three months (from November 

 10th to February 9th) a single hive lost 72 oz. 1 ^. dram''. 



Water is a thing of the first necessity to these in- 

 sects ; but they are not very delicate as to its quality, 

 but rather the reverse ; often preferring w hat is stag- 

 nant and putrescent, to that of a running stream''. I 

 have frequently observed them busy in corners moist 

 with urine; perhaps this is for the sake of the saline 

 particles to be there collected. 



A new-born bee, as soon as it is able to use its wings, 

 seems perfectly aware, without any previous instruc- 

 tion, what are to be its duties and employments for the 

 rest of iis life. It appears to know that it is born for 

 society, and not for selfish pursuits ; and therefore it 

 invariably devotes itself and its labours to the benefit 



° Pliilos. Traill. \19.i, 160. Comp. K<auin. v. -ibO. 



" Jleaum. ibid. 591— Hunter, ibid. 161— *= Reaum. il^id. 69T. 



