214 PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 
seems to be one of those mysteries of nature that has not 
yet been satisfactorily accounted for. Generally speak- 
ing, insects appear to have no animal heat; the tempe- 
ature of their bodies being usually that of the atmo- 
sphere in which they happen to be. But bees are an ex- 
ception to this rule, and produce heat in themselves. 
Whether they are the only insect that can do this, as 
John Hunter affirms, or whether others that are grega- 
rious, such as humble-bees, wasps, and ants, may not 
possess the same faculty, seems not yet clearly ascertained. 
The heat in the hive in the above instance was evidently 
occasioned by the tumult into which the bees were put; 
and the hum, and motions that followed it, were proba- ~ 
bly the result of their anger. But how these act physi- 
cally, in an animal that has no circulation, [am unable to 
say; and must leave the question, like my predecessors, 
undecided. 
Aud now, having detailed to you thus amply the won- 
derful history and proceedings of the social tribes of the 
insect world, you will allow, I think, that I have redeem- 
ed my pledge, when I taught you to expect that this his- 
tory would exceed in interest and variety and marvellous 
results every thing that I had before related to you. I 
trust, moreover, that you will scarcely feel disposed to 
subscribe to that opinion, though it has the sanction of 
some great names, which attributes these almost miracu- 
lous instincts to mere sensation; which tells us, that the 
sensorium of these insects is so modelled with respect to 
the different operations that are given them in charge, 
that it is by the attraction of pleasure alone that they are 
determined to the execution of them; and that, as every 
