The Life of the Bee 
on the sarcophagi, on Egyptian stones and 
papyri, we find drawings of combs that are 
identical in every particular. Name a single 
fact that will show the least progress, a 
single instance of their having contrived 
some new feature or modified their habitual 
routine, and we will cheerfully yield, and 
admit that they not only possess an admirable 
instinct, but have also an intellect worthy to 
approach that of man, worthy to share in one. 
knows not what higher destiny than awaits 
unconscious and submissive matter. 
This language is not even confined to the 
profane; it is made use of by entomologists 
of the rank of Kirby and Spence, in order to 
deny the bees the possession of intellect 
other than may vaguely stir within the 
narrow prison of an extraordinary but un- 
changing instinct. ‘Show us,” they say, 
“‘a single case where the pressure of events 
has inspired them with the idea, for instance, 
of substituting clay or mortar for wax or 
propolis; show us this, and we will admit 
their capacity for reasoning.” 
This argument, that Romanes refers to as 
the “ question pepe aie atgamcnt,” and that 
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