42 DEATH S HEAD SPHINX. 



" The introduction of a butterfly so large and re- 

 cognizable as the Sphinx Atropos into a well-peopled 

 hive, and the extraordinary consequences thence 

 resulting, are phenomena of the more difficult ex- 

 planation, from nothing in the organization of the 

 insect indicating that it is screened from the sting 

 of bees. 



" We have been anxious to witness this singular 

 contest in glass hives, but no opportunity has hither- 

 to offered. However, to solve some of my doubts, 

 I have made a few experiments on the mode in 

 which the Sphinx is received by humble bees. 



" Having procured some of the largest size, I in- 

 troduced them at nightfall into a glass box, where 

 a colony of small brown humble bees (Muscoiurn) 

 had been established. The first carried thither did 

 not appear to be affected by the smell of the honey; 

 it remained quiet in a corner. Beginning to ap. 

 preach the nest and its inhabitants, it soon became 

 the object, not of the dread, but of the wrath of the 

 workers. Repeatedly assailing it with fury, they 

 gave it frequent stings ; it sought to escape ; it ran 

 quickly ; and, at last, raising the glass cover of the 

 apparatus by a violent exertion, succeeded. It 

 seemed to suffer very little from its wounds ; re- 

 mained tranquil all the night ; and several days 

 after was wonderfully well. 



doubted that the Sphinx omits tlie sound at pleasure, and par- 

 ticularly when affected by tho apprehension of danger. 



