S58 HABITS AND INSTINCTS OF ANIMALS. CHAP. X. 



(36l.) The natural history of the bee involves some 

 of the most wonderful phenomena in the animal cre- 

 ation. Of all the countless beings moving on the face 

 of the earth, this little insect is that whose faculties 

 and endowments are only excelled by those of man, the 

 last and best of the Creator's works. From some vague 

 notion, which associates a high degree of perfection and 

 intelligence with corporeal bulk, we feel no uncommon 

 surprise at the sagacity of the elephant, or of any other 

 animal whose instinct seems proportioned to its size, 

 or whose structure, like that of the monkey, assimilates, 

 in some degree, to the structure of man : but to see, 

 in a puny insect, a development of instinct which so 

 closely resembles reason, when we find that this 

 little creature practises all those moral qualities which 

 man is commanded to perform for the good of society, 

 but which he is perpetually violating, when we wit- 

 ness undeviating order of conduct, persevering industry, 

 perfect subordination, harmony, and unity of purpose, 

 peaceful demeanour, and social affection, all conspicu- 

 ous in the daily life of a society of insects, we may 

 blush for the great mass of mankind. We must con- 

 fess, not only the omnipotence of the Almighty Creator, 

 and His goodness in teaching us wisdom by the works 

 of His hands; but we must also acknowledge, that, did 

 we imitate these silent little creatures, in the peaceful 

 regularity of their lives, our days would be happier, 

 and our lives more tranquil. " Wisdom crieth aloud," 

 not only " in the streets,"* but through the vast ex- 

 panse of earth and of air. All Nature is replete with 

 instruction to the man of reflection and understanding, 

 her types and symbols connect the material with the 

 immaterial worlds ; and happy will he be, who applies 

 them to their destined use. Into this history, however* 

 which would, of itself, occupy nearly a volume, our 

 confined space will not permit us to enter. This is 

 less to be regretted, as Messrs. Kirby and Spence have 

 already used the same materials as we should have had 



Proverbs L 20. 



