ANATOMY OF THE BEE. 35 



appear, when viewed through a microscope, exactly like 

 honey-comb.* A German writer computes that in each 

 eye there are 3,500 lenses. In Plate 11., fig-. 5 represents 

 three of these hexagonal prisms or lenses, magnified. 



The construction of the eye for seeing objects best at 

 a moderate distance will account for the fact that 

 bees mount high up into the air afl:er collecting their 

 store of food, and then, having determined the point, 

 no matter how far off, they fly homewards with the 

 directness of a cannon ball, and alight at the door 

 of their own habitation, though the country around may 

 be crowded with hives : but on reaching the entrance, 

 their vision appears defective, for they then feel their 

 way with the antennae as if totally blind; and should 

 the hive have been moved a little, they will rise again 

 into the air to obtain a more distant view, suited to the 

 lengthened focus of their sight. 



When a stock or swarm is brought from a distance, 

 bees do not take their departure at once, but reconnoitre 

 awhile, visiting surrounding objects so as to well know 

 the spot again, in order to return thereto. 



The precise purpose or use of the three small eyes 

 does not appear to be exactly known, except that they 

 are intended to heighten the general sense of seeing 

 which the creature so peculiarly requires. Some natural- 

 ists suggest that they are to give a defensive vision 

 upwards from the cups of flowers. 

 * Dr. Bevan. 



