LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 151 



cells never leave the work until it is completed ; 

 and, as they occasionally need refreshment, 

 there are waiters constantly in attendance to 

 supply their wants. When one of them is hun- 

 gry, it lowers its trunk to show that it has an 

 inclination to eat. One of the waiters imme- 

 diately approaches, and putting its trunk to that 

 of its companion, gives it a few drops of honey, 

 after which it returns to its employment. 



When the weather is very warm, a number 

 of bees may be seen standing at the entrance of 

 the hive, busily engaged fanning those who are 

 at work within. 



Mary. What do they fan them with ? 



Jlunt M. They fan them with their wings. 

 One of my friends told me that he witnessed 

 this operation only a few days ago. Fifteen or 

 twenty bees stood before the entrance of the 

 hive, with their faces turned towards it, moving 

 their wings so rapidly that he could scarcely 

 perceive that they had wings at all. The day 

 was very warm, and there was not wind enough 

 to stir the leaves upon the trees ; yet when he 

 hung a heavy feather behind the bees, nearly a 

 foot from the entrance of the hive, it was imrne- 



