The Life of the Bee 
bury themselves in her hair. Were the 
struggle of the weak against the strong to 
take place at this moment there would be 
no more to be said, and all would pass in 
accordance with universal law. But, for a 
reason we know not, their instinct requires, 
and nature has consequently ordained, that 
they should hold themselves tranquil so 
long as they remain on the back of the 
bee. They patiently bide their time while 
she visits the flowers and constructs and 
provisions her cells. But no sooner has 
an egg been laid than they all spring upon 
it, and the innocent Colletes carefully seals 
down her cell, which she has duly supplied 
with food, never suspecting that she has 
at the same time ensured the death of her 
offspring. 
Scarcely has the cell been closed when the 
triongulins grouped round the egg engage in 
the inevitable and salutary combat of natural 
selection. The stronger, more agile, will 
seize its adversary beneath the cuirass, and, 
raising it aloft, will maintain it for hours 
in its mandibles until the victim expires. 
But while this fight is in progress, another 
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