The Life of the Bee 
a1 
However these things may be, and with- 
out abandoning this conjecture of ours, that 
at least has the advantage of connecting in 
our mind certain actions that have evident 
connection in fact, it is certain that the bees 
have far less adoration for the queen herself 
than for the infinite future of the race that 
she represents. They are not sentimental; 
and should one of their number return from 
work so severely wounded as to be held in- 
capable of further service, they will ruth- 
lessly expel her from the hive. And yet it 
cannot be said that they are altogether in- 
capable of a kind of personal attachment 
towards their mother. They will recognise 
her from among all. Even when she is old, 
crippled, and wretched, the sentinels at the 
door will never allow another queen to enter 
the hive, though she be young and fruitful. 
It is true that this is one of the fundamental 
principles of their polity, and never relaxed 
except at times of abundant honey, in favour 
of some foreign worker who shall be well 
laden with food. 
80 
