death's head sphinx. 39 



those of the second row, while they did not corre- 

 spond with the apertures of the first. Sometimes 

 a series of intersecting arcades permitted free egress 

 to the bees, but refused admittance to their enemies. 

 These fortifications were massy ; their substance firm 

 and compact. 



" As such casemated gates are not constructed 

 by bees without urgent necessity, we cannot ascribe 

 theii' proceedings to any of those demonstrations of 

 prudence prepared to obviate inconveniences, which 

 the insect neither can know nor anticipate. It is 

 only when danger is present, when it is pressing and 

 immediate, that, compelled to seek protection, it 

 employs this last resource. Thus it is curious to 

 observe an insect, so well armed and supported by 

 the advantage of numbers, securing itself by an 

 admirable combination against the inefficiency of its 

 weapons and its courage. The art of warfare among 

 bees, therefore, is not restricted to attacking their 

 enemies ; they know also to consti'uct ramparts, as 

 shelter from their enterprises ; from the part of 

 simple soldiers, they pass to that of engineers. 



" But it is not against the Sphinx alone that they 

 nmst be guarded. Weak hives are sometimes at- 

 tacked by stranger bees, attracted by the odour of 

 the honey, and the hopes of easy pillage. Those 

 beset, being unable to defend themselves from this 

 invasion, are known to have recourse to a measure 

 resembling that employed against the hostile moth. 



