Eyes, Antennae, and Brain 47 



thunder-storm, he might quite similarly decide that thun- 

 der was to us inaudible. Clap might follow clap without 

 securing any external sign of recognition j yet let a little 

 child with tiny voice but shriek for help, and all would at 

 once be awakened to activity. So with the bee : sounds 

 appealing to its instincts meet with immediate response, 

 while others evoke no wasted emotion." 



From another pen we read the following, — 



" Every apiarist has noticed the effect of various sounds 

 made by the bees upon their comrades of the hive ; and 

 how contagious is the sharp note of anger, and the pleasant 

 tone of a new swarm as they commence to enter their new 

 home." 



Moffett, in his " Theatre of Insects," not only allows to 

 bees the faculty of hearing, but credits them as well with 

 musical appreciation, — 



"Neither are they altogether impatient of musical sounds, 

 as other ruder forms of creatures are, but are very much 

 taken, and delighted therewith; provided it be without 

 variety, simple, and unaffected." 



It may be that Sir John's efforts were beyond their 

 understanding, and that v/hat he mistook for indifference 

 was, in reality, a condition of stupefied surprise induced by 

 his too complex tuning-fork and violin vibrations. 



But Moffett continues, — 



" They are likewise very fearful of an echo, thunder 

 and lightning, and the like sudden crackling noise ; as 

 on the contrary with a soft still whistling, or murmuring 

 noise, and tinkling of brass they are exceedingly taken and 

 delighted." 



Nay, he proceeds farther, and would have us believe 

 the bees possessed of a sensitive organization that not 

 only hears but responds actively to music, as witness the 

 following, — ■ 



