ANATOMY OF THE BEE. 43 



viz., the abdomen. The covering of the thorax, with 

 the external covering of the gullet, may be seen in the 

 drav^ring of the magnified dissected body of the bee 

 (Plate II., fig. i). 



The breathing apparatus of bees is a very remarkable 

 feature : they have no lungs, but, instead, air-vessels 

 or tubes, ramifying through every part of the frame. 

 These openings, called "spiracles," are found in the 

 sides of their bodies, behind the wings. Two of the 

 openings are located in the thorax, and one On - each 

 side of the scales of the abdomen. 



These air-vessels would be difficult to show in a draw- 

 ing, the multitude of hairs which protect them are in the 

 way of getting at a very distinct delineation. The writer 

 has traced their oval form by the aid of Messrs. Smith 

 and Beck's "Binocular Microscope," and exceedingly 

 interesting objects they appeared. From the circum- 

 stance of bees breathing through these orifices in their 

 bodies, it will not be difficult to understand how sadly the 

 little creatures must be inconvenienced when, by accident, 

 they fall on loose mould, and thus have their breathing 

 pores choked with dust : it also shows how needful it is 

 to prevent bees being besmeared with honey (by using 

 bad appliances for feeding), which is still more injurious 

 to them. These air-vessels are the only real circu^ 

 lating system, as bees have neilher lungs, heart, liver, 

 nor blood. It appears, however, that a white fluid matter, 

 called "chyle," which, in degree, answers the purpose 



