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OUT OF THE STRONG CAME FORTH THE SWEET. 



CHAPTER XII. 



ORDER VII. HYMENOPTERA. 



THE insects already described have exhibited great 

 variety in their structure, habits, and instincts ; yet, 

 perhaps, all the orders together do not afford more 

 matter for interesting examination than the single order 

 now to be entered upon. 



Hymenoptera contains the greater part of those in- 

 sects which are distinguished by the beautiful modifi- 

 cations of structure which their bodies present ; by their 

 social and political institutions; by their domestic vir- 

 tues, and by their ingenuity as artisans. In other words, 

 of those insects which exhibit the highest development 

 of instinct and of the reasoning powers. 



