8 4. THE HONE Y-BEE. 



the larval condition. As the functions of the abdo- 

 minal region, viz., those of digestion and circulation 

 chiefly, remain much the same in the different states 

 through which the individual passes after the hatch- 

 ing of the ^%^, we find, as we might expect, little 

 change in the nervous system of the posterior 

 segment of the body. 



From each nerve-mass will be observed filaments 

 branching on either side to the outer edges of the 

 body. By means of these communication is kept 

 up between all parts of the frame. Sensations are 

 received and conveyed to the sensorial organs, and 

 return-stimuli are sent to the organs whose move- 

 ments depend for regulation on the different ganglia. 

 This branching of the nerve-fibre is directly propor- 

 tional to the variety and force of the several functions 

 subserved by the various structures to which they 

 proceed. 



The Head. — We will now describe in some detail 

 the structure and functions of the highly-important 

 organs contained in the anterior segment, or head. 

 And first in order let us take the 



Eyes. — On either side of the head may be observed 

 an oval lobe, convexly rounded and immovable, 

 brown in colour, covered with a horny tunicle, and 

 exhibiting to the unassisted eye a vast number of 

 distinct points. These points, under a high-power 

 magnifying-glass, are seen to be facets, hexagonal in 

 shape, so as to occupy all available space, without 

 interstices, and each connected with a minute tube 

 and a thread of nerve-matter leading to the cephalic 

 ganglia or brain. These compound eyes, as they are 

 called, are common to most true insects. They may 



