THE STING. 287 



honey which has been collected : the greater part of 

 which is deposited in the hive, being passed into the 

 cells of the honey- combs, whilst the remainder serves 

 for the insect's nourishment, as, during the summer 

 or labouring season, it never touches the store laid by 

 for winter. 



The STING, which serves to defend this little 

 animal from its enemies, is composed of three parts ; 

 the sheath and two darts, which are extremely small 

 and penetrating. These darts have several small 

 points, or barbs, like those of a fish-hook, which ren- 

 der the sting more painful, the darts rankling in the 

 wound. Still, however, the infliction from such an 

 instrument would be very slight, had not the bee 

 power to poison the wound. The sheath, which has 

 a sharp point, makes the first impression, the darts 

 act next, after which the venomous fluid is infused. 

 The sheath sometimes urged, perhaps by the degree 

 of excitement in the insect, sticks so fast in the wound, 

 that it is left behind, and causes more permanent 

 inflammation. The bee, in consequence, soon after 

 dies, from an eruption of the intestines. 



It might, on first consideration, appear well for 

 mankind, if the bee had not the power of inflicting 

 such wounds, but on farther reflection it will be 

 found, that the little animal would have too many 

 rivals in sharing the profits of its labours. Numerous 

 other animals, fond of honey, and of obtaining it at free 

 cost, would intrude upon the sweets of the hive, with- 

 out armed guardians for its protection. The venom 

 of the insects appears to be an original material in 

 their composition, imparted to them by nature, for 



3 



