15 
” Bach bee, as soon as he is divested of his nymphal robe, 
is perfectly acquainted with his individual duty. There is 
never the least disorder or confusion among them, in going 
out, or coming into their hives, in making or cleaning their © 
cells, in filling them with honey, or in taking care of the 
young bees, newly released from their nymphal robes when 
weakness, or the inclemency of the weather prevents them — 
from flying to the fields. Each knows his duty with an in- 
stinct more accurate, than easy to conceive. ‘The prodigies 
of nature are wonderful in these insects. They are born, 
and instantly, without ulterior instruction, begin every ne- 
cessary operation, whether to collect substances proper and 
necessary, or to convert those substances into honey, wax, 
or propolis, according to the wants of the family in the in- 
terior of the hive. 
What shall we think, says the judicious M. Duchet, of 
that knowledge, so prompt and sure, by which bees distin- 
guish their own hive from every other, and know ten thou- - 
sand individuals of their own family, from a hundred thou - 
sand, or a million of neighbours, who do not belong to it, 
though all are perfectly alike? Here nature shows herself 
conspicuous. This knowledge is necessary to preserve them- 
selves and their provisions, and was granted them by the 
Author of all things. The existence, and conduct of these 
insects, in their government, have excited the admiration 
of natural philosophers. 
CHAPTER III. 
OF THE QUEEN, OR MOTHER BEE. 
The queen, or mother bee, holds the first rank in the co- 
lony. She is the mother of all the young, whetlier queens, 
drones, or workers, whether to keep up the numbers of the: 
family at home, or for swarms to emigrate and form new 
establishments elsewhere. ~ 
‘The mother bees and drones, have no triangular pellets. 
on their hinder legs, on which to deposite collections from 
the flowers abroad. The teeth of the queens, though smaller 
* 
