88 HUMBLE CREATURES. 



be described hereafter; and the two first-named^ or 

 cells similarly constructed, serve also for the storing 

 of honey. 



Let us now rejoin our little workers in their various 

 occupations. 



It is unnecessary to accompany them in their search 

 for honey, for we referred to this portion of their 

 daily task whilst treating of the materials that they 

 collect ; and during our investigation of the Bee's 

 organs and members, we had a favourable opportunity, 

 not only of examiaing that part of its digestive system 

 in which honey is temporarily stored before it is re- 

 gurgitated into the cells, but also of admiring the 

 beautiful oral apparatus, especially the tongue, by 

 which it is aided ia the gathering of nectar. We 

 also closely scrutinized that portion of the hind leg 

 which serves as a basket for the conveyance of pollen, 

 or bee-bread, and shall now draw your attention to a 

 most remarkable and interesting phenomenon con- 

 nected with this part of the worker's employments. 

 Not only does the bee in her excursions gather suffi- 

 cient of the substance just named to fill her poUen- 

 baskets, but, being covered all over with long hairs, 

 the germs of the various flowers that she visits adhere 

 to her, and her whole body becomes charged with 

 them. 



Whether or not the matrons of the hive relieve her 

 of this additional store of provender, as they do on her 

 return home of the bee-bread contained in her pollen- 

 baskets, we are imable to say ; but one thing is cer- 



