THE BEE. 



the nectar is collected preparatory to being transferred to the 

 O3sophagus. 

 26. The first stomach or honey-bag into which the nectar 



Stomach. 



( Posterior 

 segment ot 

 abdomen 



'-. Large intestine 

 Fig. 11. Digestive apparatus of the Bee (magnified). 



passes through the oesophagus, which is a long and slender tube 

 passing from the back of the mouth through the neck, has the 

 form of a Florence flask, and is composed of a material as trans- 

 parent as glass. "When filled it has the magnitude of a small pea. 

 The honey received by it is partly regurgitated and deposited for 

 general use in the cells of the comb, which will presently be 

 described. The remainder which constitutes the food of the insect 

 passes into the true stomach, and from thence into the intestines 

 where it undergoes the process of digestion, the products of which 

 are distributed through suitable tubes to all parts of the body for 

 its nourishment. 



27. Both the honey-bag and the stomach are susceptible of 

 contraction, by which the food is thrown back from the former 

 into the mouth as in ruminating animals, and from the latter into 

 the intestines. 



28. The antennae are organs of great importance, upon the 

 functions of which, however, naturalists are not fully agreed. It 

 appears certain nevertheless, that they are not only tactile instru- 

 ments of great sensitiveness, but are organs, by the signs, gestures, 

 and mutual contact of which the bees communicate to each other 

 their mutual wants, and convey information in many cases, some 

 of which will be noticed hereafter, respecting the condition of the 

 hive. 



29. The flying-apparatus of the bee, as well as that of many 

 other insects, far exceeds in power the instruments of flight with 

 which the swiftest birds are furnished. To the anterior margin 

 of the under wings are attached eighteen or twenty hooks, which 

 when spread for flight (figs. 5, 6) lay hold of the posterior edges 

 of the upper wings, so that the two wings on each side thus united 

 act as a single wing. 



12 



