156 THE LIFE OF THE BEE 



We are no longer concerned with the intellect of the 

 individual ; here we find the unconscious, undivided force 

 in the act of ensnaring other forms of itself. Shall we on 

 that account refuse to believe that these snares are pure 

 accidents, occurring in accordance with a routine that is 

 also incidental ? We are not yet entitled to such a de- 

 duction. It might be urged that, had these miraculous 

 combinations not been, these flowers would not have sur- 

 vived, but would have had their place filled by others that 

 stood in no need of crossed fertilisation ; and the non-existence 

 of the first would have been perceived by none, nor would 

 the life that vibrates on the earth have seemed less incom- 

 prehensible to us, less diverse, or less astounding. 



And yet it would be difficult not to admit that acts 

 which bear all the appearance of acts of intelligence and 

 prudence produce and support these fortunate chances. Whence 

 do they issue .? from the being itself, or from the force whence 

 that being draws life ? I will not say " it matters but little," 

 for, on the contrary, to know the answer were of supreme 

 importance to us. But, in the meantime, and till we shall 

 learn whether it be the flower that endeavours to maintain 

 and perfect the life that Nature has placed within it, or 

 whether it be Nature that puts forth an effiDrt to maintain 

 and improve the degree of existence the flower has assumed, 

 or finally, whether it be chance that ultimately governs 

 chance, a multitude of semblances invite us to believe that 

 something equal to our loftiest thoughts issues at times from 

 a common source, that we are compelled to admire without 

 knowing where it resides. 



There are moments when what seems error to us issues 



