192 PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 
bruary, when having traversed Egypt, they arrive at the 
sea, from whence they are dispersed to their several 
owners. 
John Hunter observes, that when the season for lay- 
ing is over, that for collecting honey comes on (he 
means, probably, for making the principal collection of 
it); and that when the last pupa is disclosed, the cell it 
deserts, after being cleaned, is immediately filled with it; 
and as soon as full is covered with pure wax: but this 
only holds with respect to the celis containing honey for 
winter use, those destined to receive that which forms 
their food when bad weather prevents them from going 
out, being left open?. Sometimes, when the year is re- 
markably favourable for collecting honey, the bees will 
destroy many of the larvae to make room for it; but they 
never meddle with the pupe. When no more honey is 
to be collected, they remain quiet in the hive for the win- 
ter. Mr. Hunter found that a hive grew lighter in a co!d 
than in a warm week ; he found also, that in three months 
(from November 10th to February 9th) a single hive lost 
72 oz. 14 dram>. 
Water is a thing of the first necessity to these insects ; 
but they are not very delicate as to its quality, but ra- 
ther the reverse; often preferring what is.stagnant and 
putrescent, to that of arunning stream®. I have fre- 
quently observed them busy in corners moist with urine; 
perhaps this is for the sake of the saline particles to be 
there collected. 
A new-born bee, as scon as it is able to use its wings, 
* Philos. Trans. 1792, 160. Comp. Reaum. y. 450. 
» Reaum. ibid. 591— Hunter, ibid. 161— © Reaum. ibid. 697. 
