STING STRUCTURE. 187 



traction of a broad strap joining k and d (the dart 

 protractor) now revolves k on /, so that a is raised, 

 by which clearly c is made to approach d — i.e., the 

 dart is sent forward, so that the barbs extend beyond 

 the sheath and deepen the puncture. The other dart, 

 and then the sheath, follow, in a sequence already 

 explained, and which G, Plate VII., is intended to 

 make intelligible, a representing the entrance of the 

 sheath, b the advance of the barbs, and c the sheath 

 in its second position. The barb retractor muscle 

 is attached to the outer side of i, and by it a is 

 depressed, and the barbs lifted. These movements, 

 following one another with remarkable rapidity, are 

 entirely reflex, and may be continued long after the 

 sting has been torn, as is usual, from the insect. 

 By taking a piece of wash-leather, placing it over 

 the end of the finger, and applying to it a bee held 

 by the wings, we may get the fullest opportunity 

 of observing the sting movements, which the micro- 

 scope will show to be kept up by continued impulses 

 from the fifth abdominal ganglion, and its multitu- 

 dinous nerves (n, A, Plate VI.), which penetrate 

 every part of the sting mechanism, and may be 

 even traced into the darts. These facts, together with 

 the explanation at page 49, will show why an ab- 

 domen separated many hours may be able to sting 

 severely, as I have more than once experienced. 



But it is not the laceration from the sheath, nor 

 the punctured wound of the dart, that makes the 

 insect robber of honey so cautious, nor man so 

 solicitous to conciliate the gracious favour of Miss 

 Apis ; for, when the worst has been done, we have 



