XI 



THE WEAPON OF DEFENCE 



All those who have at any time had anything to 

 do with bees, are well aware that they have the 

 means wherewith to make themselves at times 

 most truculent adversaries. 



Like nearly all the other members of the 

 hymenoptera, they are provided with a sharp 

 piercing weapon, which is also the medium by 

 which an irritant poison is conveyed into the 

 body of the victim. 



There are some differences between the stings 



of bees and those of their cousins the wasps, 



although the general conception that bees are 



entirely unable to withdraw their stings on account 



of the barbs is not exactly accurate. It is quite 



true that the barbs do to some extent prevent or 



hinder the weapon from being withdrawn, but if 



bees are allowed time in which to do so, they are 



able, by a screwing motion, to get the sting out. 



Generally, however, when stinging is going on, 



there is such a hurry and excitement that the bee 



makes a violent effort to pull the sting out, the 



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