BEE. 
427 
behind the rectum. These scales enclose, as it 
were, the rectum or anus all round : they can hardly 
be said to be articulated to each other, only at- 
tached by thin membranes, which allow of a variety 
of motions : three of them, however, are attached 
more closely to a round and curved process, which 
comes from the basis of the groove in which the 
sting lies, as also to the curved arms of the sting, 
which spread out externally. The two stings may 
be said to begin by those two curved processes at 
their union with the scales, and converging towards 
the groove at its base, which they enter, then pass 
along it to its point. They are serrated on their 
outward edges, near to the point. These two stings 
can be thrust out beyond the groove, although not 
far, and they can be drawn within it ; and, I be- 
lieve, can be moved singly. 
All these parts are moved by muscles, which 
we may suppose are very strong in them, much 
stronger than in other animals ; and these muscles 
give motion in almost all directions, but more par- 
ticularly outw r ards. It is wonderful how deep they 
will pierce solid bodies with the sting. I have 
examined the length they have pierced the palm of 
the hand, which is covered with a thick cuticle : it 
has often been about the twelfth of an inch. To 
perform this by mere force, two things are neces- 
sary, power of muscles, and strength of the sting ; 
neither of which they seem to possess in sufficient 
degree. I own I do not understand this operation. 
I am apt to conceive there is something in it distinct 
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