eS 
Tnsecls. 9073 
On the Sagacity exhibited by certain Bees and Ants. By FREDERICK 
Situ, Esq., late President of the Entomological Society of 
London. 
In the number of the ‘ Zoologist’ for May (Zool. 9055) Mr. Newman 
published some opinions and observations upon the cells of bees, and 
also indicated certain opinions as being held by myself upon that sub- 
ject. My views as to the definition of instinct, in certain species of 
insects, is suggested in the same paper. I claim space for a few 
observations upon both subjects. 
It will be admitted by every one, I imagine, that various quadrupeds 
readily acquire a variety of accomplishments, all being the result of 
teaching ; and I readily admit the opinion that wasps, bees and other 
insects are at their birth, or, more correctly to express myself, on 
arriving at their perfect condition, gifted with all the skill necessary to 
accomplish the requirements of their particular economy. 
In the paper alluded to above, I find what I conceive to be an over- 
sight on the part of the author: I allude to the following :—“ The bee, 
on the contrary, without any teaching, without any meditation, begins 
to make its beautiful and symmetrical cell the hour it is born.” This 
passage, in my opinion, is calculated to inculcate what I believe to be 
an error. From inquiry I have ascertained that hive-bees, after 
leaving the cell for the first time, are some days in the hive before 
they take any part in the labours of the community. I can speak 
from observation as to wasps, having frequently reared them in my 
own apartment, and watched them through every phase of their 
labours: individuals of the species Vespa rufa, on emerging from their 
brood-cell, frequently have the faintest possible trace of the gay 
ornamentation that is known to characterise that species, and such 
individuals certainly remain some days in the vespiary before taking 
part in its labours. I do not for a moment suppose that during the 
time passed in the hive, before taking part in its labours, the wasp or 
bee acquires any additional skill through observation or teaching; 
I merely record the result of my own observation and experience for 
the purpose of correcting what I think is calculated to mislead. 
To proceed: it is stated that the wasp or bee, in constructing its 
hexagonal cell “is as much an irresponsible agent as the hen that 
covers her egg with a calcareous shell before extrusion, and produces 
it of the best possible form for the purpose for which it is intended ;” 
_ also that the building of the cells is an “irresistible act ;” neither the 
VOL. XXII. dated it 
