216 PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 



and that plan, which proves that it is not mere sensa- 

 tion, they vary according to circumstances. As to af- 

 fection — that bees are irritable, and feel the passion of 

 anger, no one will deny ; that they are also susceptible 

 of fear, is equally evident; and if they feel anger and 

 fear, why may they not also feel /oie .^ Further, if they 

 have recourse to precautions for the prevention of any 

 evil that seems to tlireaten them, how can we refuse 

 them a degree o^ foresight ? Must we also resolve all 

 their patriotism, and the singular regard for the welfare 

 of their conniiunity, which seems constantly to actuate 

 them, and the sacrifices, even sometimes of themselves^ 

 that they make to promote and ensure it, into indivi- 

 dual self-love ? We would not set them up as rivals 

 to man in intelligence, foresight, and the affections ; 

 but they have that degree of each that is necessary for 

 their purposes. On account of the difficulties attend- 

 ing all theories that give them some degree of these qua- 

 lities, to resolve all into mere sensation, is removing 

 one difficulty by a greater. 



That these creatures from mere selfishness build 

 their combs, replenish them with the fruit of their un- 

 wearied labours, attend so assiduously to the nurture 

 of the young brood, lavish their caresses upon their 

 queen, prevent all her wants, give a portion of the ho- 

 ney they have collected to those that remain in the 

 hives, assist each other, defend their common dwelling, 

 and are ready to sacrifice themselves for the public 

 good — i-^ an anomaly in rerum ncitura that ought never 

 to be admitted, unless established by the most irrefraga- 

 ble demonstration ; — and 1 think you will npt be disposed 

 without full proof to yield yourself to a mere theory, 



