THE STING. 171 



that, when once inserted, it cannot be withdrawn, 

 but must remain where it is. 



In consequence of this loss of sting the worker 

 dies, which proves that the sting is only used in 

 great emergencies or self-defence, and is not 

 used for the pure malicious pleasure of inflicting 

 hartn. 



As the sting enters, the bee sends down a drop 

 of poison ; this it is that causes the inflammation 

 and pain. 



The smell of the poison is very strong, and 

 seems to infuriate the bees that come within its 

 range. They at once fly round and try to 

 sting the unfortunate person stung ; and this is 

 probably the reason why people get so badly 

 stung, who, from clumsiness or want of know- 

 ledge, frighten the bees. 



One bee, thinking the clumsy and ignorant 

 person an enemy who wants to do some harm to 

 the community, stings him ; the smell of the 

 sting evaporating, excites all the other bees, 

 within smelling distance, to sting in their turn. 

 Of course such a combination of stings is a most 

 effectual method of defeating and overcoming an 

 enemy. So the sting of a bee and smell of its 

 sting may be a signal of alarm, a signal of 

 defence, a signal for the other bees to attack and 

 overcome a common enemy. 



