STATEMENT OF MR. GAGNIARD. 217 



VIndustrie nationale, a singular statement is made, and 

 advanced as a verified fact, that two swarms have worked 

 together in the same hive, each having its own queen, and 

 the territory divided equally amongst them, none of the 

 bees of the respective swarms encroaching on the property 

 of the others. It is also remarked that a comb is formed in 

 the middle of the hive from the top to the bottom, as the 

 line of demarcation of the two territories ; which comb is not 

 applicable to the general uses of a comb, but is a kind of 

 rude mason work, in which the hexagon figure is completely 

 lost, the whole presenting a rough and uneven surface. The 

 only remark which we can make on this verified fact is, that 

 it is vouchsafed to the apiarians to see greater wonders 

 than to any other order of naturalists. 



The above, however, is in a great degree surpassed by a 

 statement of Mr. Gagniard inserted in his " Traite sur les 

 Abeilles," in which he states, that he once put three swarms 

 into one hive : two of the swarms declared interminable 

 war against each other ; whilst the third observed a strict 

 neutrality, and proceeded to construct their combs, and to 

 nourish the brood. The contest was carried on between the 

 rival swarms with the greatest acrimony for three days ; 

 when at last it was determined, like the Horatii and Curiatii, 

 that a certain number should be chosen on either side, and 

 the monarchy awarded to that queen, whose party carried 

 off the victory. Our only remark upon this statement shall 

 be, that if Mr. Gagniard would have informed us of the 

 means by which he arrived at the knowledge of the above 

 facts, we would then not hesitate for a moment to determine 

 whether we would give to them our assent or dissent. 



Mr. Gagniard professes himself to be a staunch disciple 

 of the Huberian school, and finding that an unlimited 

 credence had been given to the miracles and wonders of 

 his master, relative to the duels of the queens, he thought 

 perhaps, that he would improve upon the discoveries of 

 his leader, and call upon us to bestow the same degree of 



