GENERAL HISTORY OF BEES. 31 



from the tongue, or directly from the mandibles, when 

 it is masticated, and helps it forward to the pharynx to 

 be swallowed. The epipharynx closes this orifice from 

 above, the labrum then laps over it and the articulation 

 of the lingual apparatus, both which are further pro- 

 tected in repose by the mandibles closing over the la- 

 brum. This triple protection shows the importance 

 nature attaches to these organs. The more direct por- 

 tions of the lingual apparatus are the labium, or lower 

 lip, which forms the main stem of the rest, and articu- 

 lates beneath the hypopharynx, and is beneath of a 

 horny texture ; it forms a knee or articulating bend at 

 about half its length, and has a second flexure at its 

 apex, where the true tongue is inserted. This labium is 

 extensible and retractile at the will of the insect, and 

 lies inserted within the under cavity of the head when 

 in complete repose, and the insect can withdraw or 

 extend a portion or the whole at its pleasure. Attached 

 on each side, at its first bend or elbow, lie the maxilla, 

 which, for want of a better term, are called the lower 

 jaws, and perhaps properly so from the function they 

 perform; for at the point of their downward flexure, 

 which occurs at the apex of the labium, and where the 

 true tongue commences, they each extend forward in a 

 broad, longitudinal membrane, partly coriaceous through- 

 out its whole length, and these, folded together and be- 

 neath, form the under sheath of the whole of the rest of 

 the lingual apparatus in repose, and often lap over its 

 immediate base when even it is extended. Externally 

 continuous, the line of these maxilla is broken at the 

 point of flexure at the apex of the labium, by a deep 

 sinus or curve, and within this is inserted the first joint 

 of the maxillary palpi. The portion of the maxillae 



