38 THE APIARY. 



not in use, so as to form one strong and well-protected 

 instrument 



The antennae (Plate I., figs. \a, ia, 3a,) are most im* 

 portant instruments, and are planted between or below 

 the eyes and a little below the ocelli, one on either side : 

 they consist of a number of tubular joints, each having a 

 separate motion; being thus jointed throughout their 

 whole leng^, they are, therefore, capable of every 

 variety of flexure, and their extremities are exquisitely 

 sensitive. With the antennae, these insects recognise 

 their queen, and appear to communicate to each other 

 their joys and sorrows. For instance, if a colony be de- 

 prived of its queen, bees may be seen rushing about the 

 hive, and, with a nervous twinge, crossing their antennse 

 and conveying the intelligence of their forlorn state. 

 The sense of touch is here most acute. Huber points 

 out a moonlight night as the best time for observing the 

 antennae in this respect. The bees guarding against 

 the intrusion of moths, and not having light enough to 

 see fully, circumambulate their doors like vigilant senti- 

 nels, vrith the antennae stretched right before them ; and 

 woe to the moth that comes within reach — the instant it 

 is felt, its death follows. The sense of hearing has been 

 denied bees, whilst others contend that these organs are 

 situate in their antennae. The sounds which bees emit, 

 particularly at swarming time, are conclusive that they 

 possess this faculty; the only reason for arriving at an 

 opposite conclusion seems to be, that no precise organ of 



