iS94- 
341 
[Packard. 
membrane so that in section it appears as at II, Plate III [our fig. 25], 
the membrane assumins; the form of a ponch, given in full length at A. 
It will be seen at once that this disposition of parts abolishes the side 
ducts, but brings the central duct to the external surface. The object 
of this curious capability on the part of the bee Is, in my opinion, to 
permit of cleaning away any pollen grains, or other impediment that may 
collect in the side ducts. The membrane is greasy in nature, and sub- 
stances or fluids can be removed from it as easily as water from polished 
metal. If, now, the sides of a ueedle, previously dipped into clove oil in 
which rosanilin (magenta) has been dissolved, so as to stain it strongly 
red, be touched on the centre of the rod, the oil immediately enters, and 
passes rapidly upwards and downwards, filling the trough." 
P m \ 
Fig. 25. A-C, section of bee's tongue; D, cross section of extremity 
of tongue near the "spoon"; th, tactile hairs; r, rod; n, nucleus; gh, 
gathering hairs ; E, cross section of tongue without gathering hairs, X 
four hundred times; sh, sheath; b, blood space; t, trachea; ug, gusta- 
tory nerve; cd, central duct; Id, lateral duct; pm, plaited membrane; 
F, same as E, but magnified two hundred times, and with pm, plaited 
membrane, turned outwards; h, closing hairs; ip, labial palpi.— After 
Cheshire. 
