AFFECTION OF INSECTS JOR THEIR YOUNG. 377 



seen successively to introduce their heads into the cells 

 containing them, and after remaining in that position 

 some moments, during which they replace the expended 

 provision, pass on to those in the neighbourhood. Others 

 often immediately succeed, and in like manner put in 

 their heads as if to see that the young ones have every 

 thing necessary ; which being ascertained by a glance, 

 they immediately proceed, and stop only when they find 

 a cell almost exhausted of food. That the office of these 

 purveyors is no very simple affair will be admitted, when 

 it is understood that the food of all the grubs is not the 

 same, but that it varies according to their age, being in- 

 sipid when they are young, and, when they have nearly 

 attained maturity, more sugary and somewhat acid. The 

 larvae destined for queen-bees, too, require a food alto- 

 gether different from that appropriated to those of drones 

 and workers. It may be recognised by its sharp and 

 pungent taste. 



So accurately is the supply of food proportioned to 

 the wants of the larvae, that when they have attained 

 their full growth and are ready to become nymphs, not 

 an atom is left unconsumed. At this period, intuitively 

 known to their assiduous foster-parents, they terminate 

 their cares by sealing up each cell with a lid of wax, con- 

 vex in those containing the larvae of drones, and nearly 

 flat in those containing the larvae of workers, beneath 

 which the inclosed tenants spin in security their cocoon. 

 In all these labours neither the queen nor the drones 

 take the slightest share. They fall exclusively upon the 

 workers, who, constantly called upon to tend fresh broods, 

 as those brought to maturity are disposed of, devote 

 nearly the whole of their existence to these maternal 

 offices. 



