The Swarm 
in our mind certain actions that have evi- 
dent 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 incapable of 
further service, they will ruthlessly expel 
her from the hive. And yet it cannot 
be said that they are altogether incapable 
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. 
7 97 
