HISTORY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 3 



also distinguish her as much as her shape ; they 

 are much more distinct ; the back is of a much 

 brighter black ; the concentric rings on the under 

 side of her body are darker, and the lighter inter- 

 stitial part of the same region appears of a brighter 

 and more lively hue. The legs also are of a deep 

 golden yellow colour. 



Next in order come the WORKING BEES : these 

 are, by some, called neuters or mules ; by others, 

 female non-breeders. From what will be said here- 

 after, I think that my readers will consider the 

 latter as the more appropriate title, the workers 

 being sterile females with undeveloped ovaries. 

 In a single hive the number of these varies from 

 12,000 to 20,000 : they are the smallest members 

 of the community, are furnished with a long flex- 

 ible proboscis, have a peculiar structure of the 

 legs and thighs, on the latter of which are small 

 hollows or baskets, adapted to the reception of 

 the propolis and farina which they collect, and 

 they are armed with a straight sting. Upon them 

 devolves the whole labour of the colony; they 

 rear the young, guard the entrances, elaborate the 

 wax, collect and store the provision, and build 

 the cells in which it is warehoused, as well as 

 those that contain the brood. 



Thirdly, there are the DRONES or MALES, to the 

 number of perhaps 1500 or 2000. These make 

 their appearance about the end of April, and are 

 B 2 



