122 THE CHRISTIAN NATURALIST. 



When we further see how these honey store-houses 

 are exactly filled and sealed up for future use, it is im- 

 possible not to be struck with the astonishing instinct 

 thus displayed, which leads them to accumulate their 

 treasure with so much care against a period of want 

 and repose. Equally surprising, however, is the har- 

 mony which subsists in the Beehive, whose inmates are 

 perhaps seldom fewer than 15,000. The greatest order 

 is preserved amongst them ; for all are industrious, 

 all know their places, and they have none of that love 

 of change whicli so frequently produces so many ca- 

 lamities among human beings. A distinguished Poet 

 well described them, when he thus compared them to a 

 well ordered monarchy, — 



* Creatures that by a rule in nature teach 

 The art oi order to a peopled kingdom ; 

 They have a king, and officers of sorts. 

 Where some like magistrates correct at home ; 

 Others like merchants venture trade ab'-oad ; 

 Others like soldiers armed in their stings, 

 Make boot upon the summer's velvet buds, — 

 Which pillage they with merry march bring home 

 To the tent royal of their emperor, — 

 Who, busied in his majesty, surveys 

 The singing masons building roofs of gold ; 

 The civil citizens kneading up the honey ; 

 Tlse poor mechanic-porters crowding in 

 Their heavy burdens at his narrow gate; 



