THE ANTENNAE. 
79 
The feelers, or antenna , are most delicate or- 
gans of touch, and, from their flexibility and con- 
stant motion, it is probable that through them bees 
receive most of their impressions. By these they 
examine, by these they work, by these they talk, 
and their removal completely changes the instincts 
of both queen and worker. 
The power which they possess of guiding their 
movements in the dark, as well as in the full light 
of day, at least in the hive, is usually attributed to 
the antenna. They are averse to any light in the 
hive, and carefully close every crevice through 
which a ray can enter. Although the honey is 
collected in the bright sunshine, the work in the 
hive is reserved for the night-time or dark days. 
How economical of time ! and what a lesson to 
man who wastes so many hours in idleness. 
The hours and days of misspent or wasted time 
will some day be a source of deep regret to us. 
An ancient king once cried, “ I have lost a day ! ” 
and Queen Elizabeth, on her dying bed, exclaimed 
in remorse, “ Millions of money for an inch of 
time.” “ Improve the present ere the moment 
flies ; ” and while we take pattern from the bee in 
