o- QUEEN. 



The queen (pi. I. fig. 6.) being then 

 of fuch confequence, it is neceflary that the 

 apiator mould be able' to diftinguifh her at 

 fight. Obferve, therefore, that fhe is longer 

 and more Header than the drones, or the 

 workers ; her hinder parts tapering to a 

 point: her belly and legs are alfo yellower ; 

 and the upper part of her body much darker 

 than theirs, nearly approaching to a glofiy 

 black. The pavt beyond the wings is divided 

 into four joints, diftinguifhed into fo many 

 rings ; whereas the workers have but three,- 

 and thofe of a lighter colour. The more full 

 of eggs, the more yellow is her belly. Her 

 wings reach only to the third ring, but 

 thofe of the workers extend to the end of 

 their bodies. Her appearance is rather 

 clumfy, but her deportment grave, ftately, 

 and calm. She is armed with a fling fhorter 

 than thofe of her fubjecls. Its uie is only to 

 oppofe rival queens •„ for otherwife fhe will 

 bear the rougheft handling, without attempt- 

 ing to wound. She is very rarely to be 

 feen, even with boxes of three windows; 

 and, if by chance fhe is difcovered, inftantly 

 retires from view.' 



Hep 



