318 INSTINCTS OF BEES. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

 INSTINCTS OF BEES. 



ALL creatures, of whatever size, that live together 

 in large communities, have long been observed to 

 display more knowledge and ingenuity than those 

 that do not congregate : this superiority is also 

 supposed to distinguish those which possess the 

 most exquisite sense of touch, and whose occupa- 

 tions require a continued exertion of their powers. 

 The insect tribe strongly confirm the truth of 

 these remarks. 



Solitary insects may exhibit a single trait of 

 superiority, either in the catching of their prey, 

 as the spider does ; or in the securing of a well 

 protected habitation, as is instanced by the car- 

 penter bee, the mason bee, and some other lone 

 and non-associating insects : but the history of 

 those which unite in societies unfolds more of 

 insect energy and talent. In large communities a 

 combination of exertions is requisite, to procure 

 supplies for the general weal ; an intercourse of 

 mutual intelligence is kept up ; labour is regularly 

 divided ; the sphere of action is extended ; and in 

 cases of emergency, there is an unusual manifesta- 

 tion of insect power and intelligence. Instances of 

 all these faculties are eminently conspicuous in 



