The Life of the Bee 



central stone. And one may mention 

 here the curious fact that the workers 

 always avoid turning their back on the 

 queen. No sooner has she approached 

 a group than they will invariably arrange 

 themselves so as to face her with eyes and 

 antennae, and to walk backwards before 

 her. It is a token of respect, or of 

 solicitude, that, unlikely as it may seem, 

 is nevertheless constant and general. But 

 to return to the queen. During the 

 slight spasm that visibly accompanies the 

 emission of an egg, one of her daughters 

 will often throw her arms round her and 

 appear to be whispering to her, brow 

 pressed to brow and mouth to mouth. 

 But the queen, in no wise disturbed by 

 this somewhat bold demonstration, takes 

 her time, tranquilly, calmly, wholly ab- 

 sorbed by the mission that would seem 

 amorous delight to her rather than labour. 

 And after some seconds she will rise, very 

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