208 DIVISION OF LABOUR. 



ed (as above noticed) first the material, then the cells in 

 rough-hewn formation, there comes a second band whose em- 

 ployment is to examine and adjust the angles, remove super- 

 fluous wax, and give the work perfection ; while, attendant on 

 these, is a third party which brings provisions ; of these, each 

 opening her honey-bag, imparts refreshment to the thirsty 

 labourer, who, without quitting her work, bends down her 

 head to receive it. It would seem, therefore, that at home as 

 well as abroad the toils of bee labourers are, even in a literal 

 sense, not without their sweets ; and in their well-ordered, 

 social, voluntary mode of working, we appear to see clearly 

 pleasure mingled with their labour. 



The above notices, slight as they are, of bee notabilities, 

 must surely be sufficient to excite a wish for more knowledge 

 of their proceedings, as detailed by accurate observers ; and 

 not this only, but a desire also to become in person Asmodean 

 spectators of the doings in waxen cities. These, in their 

 foundation, progress, and completion afford, as we have just 

 seen, abundance of materiel, matter to amuse both eye and 

 mind, while the politics and passions of the little citizens 

 offer (as elsewhere noticed) plenty of moral subjects for com- 

 parison and curious speculation. Be it also remembered, that, 

 explored as the bee metropolis has of late years been, it has 

 still its hidden mysteries much more worthy, we take it, of 

 the trouble of unveiling, than the heart-sickening, heart-pol- 

 luting, though greedily devoured, " Mysteries of London" and 

 of Paris. 



