The Life of the Bee 
would deem them more interesting did 
they resemble ourselves, have not yet 
truly realised what it is that should awaken 
the interest of a sincere mind. The aim 
of the observer is not to surprise, but to 
comprehend; and to point out the gaps 
existing in an intellect, and the signs of a 
cerebral organisation different from our 
own, is more curious by far than the re- 
lating of mere marvels concerning it. 
But this indifference is not shared by 
all; and when the breathless queen has 
reached the alighting-board, some groups 
will form and accompany her into the 
hive; where the sun, hero of every fes- 
tivity in which the bees take part, is enter- 
ing with little timid steps, and bathing in 
azure and shadow the waxen walls and 
curtains of honey. Nor does the new 
bride, indeed, show more concern than 
her people, there being not room for many 
emotions in her narrow, barbarous, prac- 
318 
