PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 193 
seems perfectly aware, without any previous instruction, 
what are to be its duties and employments for the rest 
of its life. It appears to know that it is born for so- 
ciety, and not for selfish pursuits; and therefore it in- 
variably devotes itself and its labours to the benefit of 
the community to which it belongs. Walking upon the 
combs, it seeks for the door of the hive, that it may sally 
forth and be useful. Full of life and activity, it then 
takes its first flight ; and, unconducted but by its instinct, 
visits like the rest the subjects of Flora, absorbs their 
nectar, covers itself with their ambrosial dust, which it 
kneads into a mass and packs upon its hind legs; and if 
need be, gathers propolis, and returns unembarrassed to 
its own hive?. : 
Instances of the expedition with which our little fa- 
vourites accomplish their various objects you have had 
several; but this is never more remarkable than when 
they settle in a new hive. At this time, in twenty-four 
hours they will sometimes construct a comb twenty 
inches long by seven or eight wide; and the hive will 
be half filled in five or six days; so that in the first fié 
teen days as much wax is made as in the whole year 
besides». 
In treating of the various employments of the bees, I 
7must not omit one of the greatest importance to them— 
the ventilation of their abode. When you consider the 
numbers contained in so confined a space; the high 
temperature to which its atmosphere is raised ; and the 
small aperture at which the air principally enters, you 
will readily conceive how soon it must be rendered unfit 
* Reaum. v. 602. » Thid. 656. 
VOL. It. é 
