92 THE HONEY-BEE. 



The Antenna. In the front part of the head are two 

 organs, which appear to supplement, in some remark- 

 able way, probably by touch-sensations, the power of 

 vision, and also to possess other capabilities con- 

 stituting a sense to which we have nothing strictly 

 analogous. These organs are called antenna. They 

 spring from origins near together, at equal distances 

 from the medial and anterior point of the head, and 

 are connected, by distinct and somewhat large fila- 

 ments, with the nerve matter forming the cephalic 

 ganglia. Externally they consist, first, of one segment 

 nearest the head, much longer than the rest. This 

 part is called the scape. Then, forming a sort of elbow 

 with it, is the flagellum, consisting of eleven joints in 

 queens and workers, and of twelve in the drones. 

 These segments are tubular, and so attached to each 

 other as to give the greatest possible freedom of 

 motion. Their extremities are wonderfully sensitive, 

 and it is probable that there is a very delicate power 

 of feeling in each of the joints. For the cleansing 

 of these organs, special provision is made in the 

 construction of the fourth and fifth joints of the 

 most forward pair of legs. At the anterior part of the 

 tibia, or fourth joint, is a spur, within, and at the 

 base of, which is a small angular projection, called the 

 velum or sail. At the base of the next joint, and 

 opposite the play of this velum, is found a deep notch. 

 From the fact of its being fringed with hairs, this is 

 called the curry-comb. Upon this notch the velum 

 can act at the will of the insect, and, when shut over 

 one another, they form a circular orifice, just large 

 enough to take the antennae. When the latter organ 

 needs cleansing, it is laid within the notch : the velum 



