PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 189 



sea, from whence they are dispersed to their several 

 owners. 



John Hunter observes, that when the season for lay- 

 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 a . Sometimes, when the year is re- 

 markably favourable for collecting honey, the bees will 

 destroy many of the larvae to make room for it ; but they 

 never meddle with the pupae. When no more honey is 

 to be collected, they remain quiet in the hive for the win- 

 ter. 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. l\ dram b . 



Water is a thing of the first necessity to these insects ; 

 but they are not very delicate as to its quality, but ra- 

 ther the reverse ; often preferring what is stagnant and 

 putrescent, to that of a running stream c . I have fre- 

 quently 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 instruction, 

 what are to be its duties and employments for the rest 



8 Philos. Trans. 1792, 160. Comp. Reaum. v. 450. 



h Reaum. ibid. 591 Hunter, ibid. 161 c Reaum. ibid. 697. 



