Eyes, Antenna3, and Brain 41 



when it comes to a near-at-hand object, the bee, as far as 

 they are concerned, is very likely as blind as if it had no 

 eyes. So these twelve or thirteen thousand facets have to 

 be re-enforced by more eyes ; and near the top of the head, 

 between the compound eyes, are three 

 other visual organs arranged in a triangle, ^^^]li{$, 

 each one large as compared with a facet, 

 though small as compared with the com- 

 pound eyes themselves. 



These three simple eyes are overhung 

 by tufts of hairs like very shaggy eye- 

 brows, and when one of them is dis- 

 covered with a magnifying glass, it shines out like a bright 

 bird's eye, the light often focusing upon it in a way to make 

 it simulate the eye of higher animals. 



These three eyes are not on the same plane, and it is 

 difficult to see all of them at the same time, because of the 

 hair that covers the top of the bee's head. This hair can 

 easily be shaved off, however, as has been done in the 

 illustration. 



The central eye is lower than the two others, and is 

 somewhat to the front of the face ; it is directed up and 

 out, so that while the two compound eyes are busy searching 

 space for flowers on either side, this forward-looking eye 

 perhaps prevents the eager worker from bumping its reckless 

 head against obstacles close in front. 



The two other eyes are over the edge, as it were, resting 

 in slanting depressions on top of the head, and being 

 directed upward and to the right and left respectively. 



The structure of the simple eyes, or ocelli, is somewhat 

 similar to that of the facets, but is simpler, and the lenses 

 are shaped for near vision. Though in some cases they do 

 not seem to perform their part with remarkable success, 

 they doubtless have their value. 



