SENSES OF INSECTS. 261 



of the proboscis, the creature started back in an instant, 

 quitted its food, clapped its wings, and walked about in 

 great agitation, and would have taken flight if the pencil 

 had not been removed. On this, it began to eat again ; 

 but on the experiment being repeated, showed similar 

 signs of discomposure : oil of marjoram produced the 

 same effect, but more promptly and certainly. Bees not 

 engaged in feeding appeared more sensible of the impres- 

 sion of this odour, and at a greater distance ; but those 

 engaged in absorbing honey might be touched in every 

 other part without being disturbed. He seized several 

 of them, forced them to unfold their proboscis, and then 

 stopped their mouth with paste. When this was become 

 sufficiently dry to prevent their getting rid of it, he re- 

 stored to them their liberty : they appeared not incom- 

 moded by being thus gagged, but moved and respired 

 as readily as their companions. He then tempted them 

 with honey, and presented to them near the mouth, oil 

 of turpentine, and other odours that they usually have 

 an aversion to ; but all produced no sensible effect upon 

 them, and they even walked upon the pencils saturated 

 with them a . 



These experiments incontestibly prove that the organ 

 of scent in bees and there is no reason to think that 

 other insects do not follow the same law is in or near 

 the mouth, and above the proboscis. It remains, there- 

 fore, that we endeavour to discover its precise situation : 

 and as insects cannot tell us, nor can we perceive by 

 their actions, in what precise part the sense in question 



a Huber Abeilles ii. 375. Dr. Bevan in his interesting work on 

 the Honey-Bee adopts the opinion here stated with respect to the 

 organ of^nell in that animal. 265, 303. 



