180 Mr. Hunter's Observations on Bees. 
got into the stomach. Now I suppose that which was in the 
craw, was for the purpose of regurgitation; and as probably 
they had fasted during the night, part had gone on fur- 
ther for digestion. Whatever time the contents of this reser- 
voir may be retained, we never find them altered, so as to 
give the idea of digestion having taken place : it is pure honey. 
From this bag the contents can be moved either way ; either 
downwards to the stomach, for the immediate use of the animal 
itself ; or back again, to be thrown out as store for future 
aliment. 
The stomach arises from the lower end, and a little on the 
right side, of this bag. It does not gradually contract into a 
stomach, nor is the outlet a passage directly out, but in the 
centre of a projection which enters some way into the reser- 
voir, being rather an inverted pylorus, thickest at its most pro- 
jecting part, with a very small opening in the centre, of a pe- 
culiar construction. This inward projecting part is easily seen 
through the coats of the reservoir, especially if full of honey. 
The stomach begins immediately on the outside of the re- 
servoir, and the same part which projects into the reservoir, 
is continued some way into the stomach, but appears to have 
no particular construction at this end ; and therefore it is only 
fitted to prevent regurgitation into the reservoir, as such 
would spoil the honey. This construction of parts is well 
adapted for the purpose ; for the end projecting into the reser- 
voir, prevents any honey from getting into the stomach, because 
it acts there as a valve ; therefore whatever is taken in, must 
be by an action of this vascular part. The stomach has a 
good deal the appearance of a gut, especially as it seems to 
