PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 915 
circumstance relative to the succession of their different 
labours is pre-ordained, to each of them an agreeable sen- 
sation is affixed by the Creator: and that thus, when the 
bees build their cells; when they sedulously attend to the 
young brood; when they collect provisions; this is the 
result of no plans, of no affection, of no foresight; but 
that the sole determining motive is the enjoyment of an 
agreeable sensation attached to each of these operations?. 
Surely it would be better to resolve all their proceedings 
at once into a direct impulse from the Creator, than to 
maintain a theory so contrary to fact; and which mili- 
tates against the whole history which M. Huber, who 
adopts this theory from Bonnet, has so ably given of 
these creatures. ‘That they may experience agreeable 
sensations from their various employments, nobody will 
deny ; but that such sensations instruct them how to per- 
form their several operations, without any plan previous- 
ly impressed upon their sensorium, is contrary both to 
reason and experience. ‘They have a plan, it is evident; 
and that plan, which proves that it is not mere sensation, 
they vary according to circumstances. As to affection— 
that bees are irritable, and feel the passion of anger, no one 
will deny ; that they are also susceptible of fear, is equally 
evident: and if they feel anger and fear, why may they not 
also feel Jove ? Further, if they have recourse to precau- 
tions for the prevention of any evil that seems to threaten 
them, how can we refuse them a degree of foresight ? 
Must we also resolve all their patriotism, and the singu- 
lar regard for the welfare of their community, which 
4 Huber, 1. 313. 
