PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 379 
same time that it shows them that without a queen that society cannot be 
preserved, — impels them in every case to the mode of treating her which 
will most effectually influence her conduct, and give it that direction which 
is most beneficial to the community ? 
Yet, with respect to the treatment of queens, instinct does not invari- 
ably direct the bees to this end. ‘There are certain exceptions, produced 
perhaps by artificial or casual occurrences, in which it seems to deviate, 
yet, as we should call it, amiably, from the rule of the public advantage. 
Retarded queens, which, as I have observed, lay male eggs only, deposit 
them in all cells indifferently, even in royal ones. These last are treated 
by the workers as if they were actually to become queens. Here their in- 
stinct seems defective : — it appears unaccountable that they should know 
these eggs, as they do when deposited in worker cells, and give them a con- 
vex covering when about to assume the pupa; unless, perhaps, the size of 
the larva directs them in this case. 
The amputation of one of the antennz of a queen-bee appears not 
to affect her perceptibly; but cutting off both these important organs 
roduces a very striking derangement of all her proceedings. She seems 
in a species of delirium, and deprived of all her instincts ; everything is 
done at random; yet the respect and homage of the workers towards her, 
though they are received by her with indifference, continue undiminished. 
If another in the same condition be put in the hive, the bees do not 
appear to discover the difference, and treat them both alike; butif a 
perfect one be introduced, even though fertile, they seize her, keep her in 
confinement, and treat her very unhandsomely. One may conjecture from 
this circumstance that it is by those wonderful organs, the antenn, that 
the bees know their own queen. If two mutilated queens meet, they 
show not the slightest symptom of resentment. While one of these con- 
tinues in the hiye, the workers never think of choosing another; but if 
she leaves it, they do not accompany her, probably because the heat is not 
increased by her putting them into the preparatory agitation.! 
Tam, &c. 
1 Huber, i. 86. 
