THE QUEEN. 69 



the eggs whifh prodiH'i' ilrnnos are like the worker-eggs.* 

 Willi tlio aid of imwerliil microscopes we are still uualile to 

 detect any dit'tereiice in the size or outside appearance of 

 the eggs of the queen. 



141. These facts, taken in connection, constitute a per- 

 fect demonstration that unfecundated queens are not only 

 able to lay eggs, but that their eggs have sufficient vitahty 

 to produce drones. 



It seems to us probable, that after fecundation has been 

 delayed for aliout three weeks, the organs of the queen-bee 

 are in such a condition that it can no longer be effected ; 

 just as the parts of a flower, after a certain time, wither 

 and shut up, and the plant becomes incapable of fructifica- 

 tion. Perhaps, after a certain time, the queen loses all de- 

 sire to go in search of the male. 



There is something analogous to these wonders in the 

 " aphides " or green hce, which infest plants. We have un- 

 doubted evidence that a fecundated female gives birth to 

 other females, and they in turn to others, all of which with- 

 ovit impregnation are able to bring forth young ; until, after 

 a number of generations, perfect males and females are pro- 

 duced, and the series starts anew ! 



However improbable it may appear that an unimpregnated 

 egg can give birth to a living being, or that sex can depend 

 on impregnation, we are not at liberty to reject facts be- 

 cause we cannot comprehend the reasons of them. He who 

 allows himself to be guilty of such folly, if he aims to be con- 

 sistent, must eventually be plunged into the dreary gulf of 

 atheism. Common sense, philosophy, and religion alike 

 teach us to receive, with becoming reverence, all undoubted 

 facts, whether in the natural or spiritual world ; assured 



* Cheshire says that * ' "Worker-egg " is a misnomer, since aU worker-eggs 

 are impregnated, and lience female-eggs. But the term is too intelligible and 

 popular, foms to change it; since Cheshire himself bows before custom, and 

 uses it. 



