PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 



169 



followed by the rest, who then let it go. These insects, how- 

 ever, in their ordinary labours are very kind and helpful to 

 each other ; I have often seen two, at the same moment, visit 

 the same flower, and very peaceably despoil it of its treasures, 

 without any contention for the best share. 



As the poison of bees exhales a penetrating odour, M. Huber 

 was curious to observe the effect it might produce upon them. 

 Having extracted with pincers the sting of a bee and its ap- 

 pendages impregnated with poison, he presented it to some 

 workers, which were settled very tranquilly before the gate 

 of their mansion. Instantaneously the little party was alarmed : 

 none, however, took flight ; but two or three darted upon the 

 poisoned instrument, and one angrily attacked the observer. 

 When, however, the poison was coagulated, they were not in 

 the least affected by it. A tube impregnated with the odour 

 of poison recently ejected being presented to them, affected 

 them in the same manner. 1 This circumstance may sometimes 

 occasion battles amongst them that are not otherwise easy to 

 be accounted for. 



Anger is no useless or hurtful passion in bees : it is neces- 

 sary to them for the preservation of themselves and their pro- 

 perty, which, besides those of their own species, are exposed 

 to the ravages of numerous enemies. Of these I have already 

 enumerated several of the class of insects, and also some 

 beasts and birds that have a taste for bees and their produce. 

 The Merops apiaster (which has been taken in England), the 

 lark and other birds, catch them as they fly. Even the frog 

 and the toad are said to kill great numbers of bees ; and many 

 that fall into the water probably become the prey of fish. 

 The mouse also, especially the field-mouse, in winter often 

 commits great ravages in a hive, if the base and orifices are 

 not well secured and stopped. 2 Thorley once lost a stock by 

 mice, which made a nest and produced young amongst the 

 combs. 3 The titmouse, according to the same author, will 

 make a noise at the door of the hive, and when a bee comes 

 out to see what is the matter will seize and devour it. He 

 has known them eat a dozen at a time. The swallows will 



« ii. 380, 



2 Schirach, 53. 



3 170. 



