BRITISH INSECTS 



to find a place in this volume is one of the most familiar 

 and beloved of all. This is the Hive, or Honey Bee, 

 {Apis mellifica, Figs. 44, 45, and 46). Of the usefulness 



\\i/ 



one. 



ficj'A-b Vvorker. 



I ri2. [ioney E)e^. 



of this species in fertilising flowers, and producing 

 honey, little need be added. Of its industry, and won- 

 derful communal and homing instincts, much might 

 be written. Highly intelligent, and of great industrial 

 importance, the Hive Bee has for centuries made a 

 direct appeal to those who, in other directions, exhibit 

 precious little interest in the world of insect-Hfe. It is 

 probable that, as a result, more is known about these 

 little busy-bodies than any other insect, and if, as a 

 one-time neighbour of mine has well said (the late Pro- 

 fessor L. C. Miall, F.R.S.), there are still problems to 

 96 



