ANATOMY OF THE BEE. 47 



Much beautiful mechanism is observed on a microscopic 

 examination of this weapon and its appendages, so 

 powerful in comparison with their bulk. The sting is 

 composed of three separate portions, i. e., two sheaths 

 (as seen in Plate II., fig. 4) and the barb. The sheaths, 

 which are attached to the powerful muscles on either 

 side at s, are first protruded in the act of stinging, and, 

 clasping the barb, enables the insect to bury it in the flesh 

 to the depth of one-twelfth of an inch ; at the same time, 

 by a muscular contraction, the poison is forced along the 

 groove, and the barb enters the wound, causing the 

 well-knovra painful effects which arise from the sting of 

 a bee. 



The darts composing this instrument are furnished 

 with teeth or barbs, set obliquely on their outer side, 

 which give it the appearance of an arrow, and by which 

 it is retained in the wound until the poison has been 

 ejected. 



If the sufferer could only command himself so as to 

 remain perfectly passive, the bee might be able to draw 

 in these barbs which protrude . beyond the sheath, and 

 would then have a chance of withdrawing the sting : the 

 little insect would consequently inflict less pain, and 

 might perhaps escape paying the penalty of her life. 

 It generally happens, however, that the excitement of 

 both parties is so great, that the poor bee leaves behind 

 the whole apparatus, and even part of her intestines, 

 io that her death is the result, and the wound is more 



