PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 379 



same time that it shows them that without a queen that society cannot be 

 preserved, impels them in every case to the mode of treating her which 

 will most effectually influence her conduct, and give it that direction which 

 is most beneficial to the community ? 



Yet, with respect to the treatment of queens, instinct does not invari- 

 ably direct the bees to this end. There are certain exceptions, produced 

 perhaps by artificial or casual occurrences, in which it seems to deviate, 

 yet, as we should call it, amiably, from the rule of the public advantage. 

 Retarded queens, which, as I have observed, lay male eggs only, deposit 

 them in all cells indifferently, even in royal ones. These last are treated 

 by the workers as if they were actually to become queens. Here their in- 

 stinct seems defective: it appears unaccountable that they should know 

 these eggs, as they do when deposited in worker cells, and give them a con- 

 vex covering when about to assume the pupa; unless, perhaps, the size of 

 the larva directs them in this case. 



The amputation of one of the antennas of a queen-bee appears not 

 to affect her perceptibly ; but cutting off both these important organs 

 produces a very striking* derangement of all her proceedings. She seems 

 in a species of delirium, and deprived of all her instincts ; everything is 

 done at random ; yet the respect and homage of the workers towards her, 

 though they are received by her with indifference, continue undiminished. 

 If another in the same condition be put in the hive, the bees do not 

 appear to discover the difference, and treat them both alike ; but if a 

 perfect one be introduced, even though fertile, they seize her, keep her in 

 confinement, and treat her very unhandsomely. One may conjecture from 

 this circumstance that it is by those wonderful organs, the antennas, that 

 the bees know their own queen. If two mutilated queens meet, they 

 show not the slightest symptom of resentment. While one of these con- 

 tinues in the hive, the workers never think of choosing another ; but if 

 she leaves it, they do not accompany her, probably because the heat is not 

 increased by her putting them into the preparatory agitation. 1 



I am, &c. 



' Huber,i. 36. 



