506 INSTINCT OF INSECTS. 



other in regular sequence, so that each bee necessarily 

 first began 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 de- 

 velopment of its organs, in the same way as on similar 

 principles we explain the sexual instincts of the supe- 

 rior 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 col- 

 lects honey for storing until they are provided": and 

 if, when constructed, any accident injure or destroy 

 them, every labour is suspended until the mischief is 

 repaired or new ones substituted"^. When the crevices 

 round the hive are effectually 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 i»st^ntly re- 

 excited. But these instances are superfluous. Every 

 one knows that at the same moment of time the citizens 

 of a hive are employed in the most varied and opposite 

 operations. Some are collecting pollen ; others are in 

 search of honey ; some busied at home in the first con- 

 struction of the cells; others in giving them their last 

 polish : others in ventilating the hive ; others again 

 in feeding the young brood, and the like. 



Now, how are we to account for this regularity of 



procedure — this undeviating accuracy with which the 



precise instinct wanted is excited — this total absence 



of all confusion in the employment by each inhabitant 



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



