GENERAL HISTORY OF BEES. 
31 
from the tongue, or directly from the mandibles, when 
it is masticated, and helps it forward to the pharynx to 
be swallowed. The epipharynx closes this orifice from 
above, the labrum then laps over it and the articulation 
of the lingual apparatus, both which are further pro¬ 
tected in repose by the mandibles closing over the la¬ 
brum. This triple protection shows the importance 
nature attaches to these organs. The more direct por¬ 
tions of the lingual apparatus are the labium , or lower 
lip, which forms the main stem of the rest, and articu¬ 
lates beneath the hypopharynx, and is beneath of a 
horny texture; it forms a knee or articulating bend at 
about hglf its length, and has a second flexure at its 
apex, where the true tongue is inserted. This labium is 
extensible and retractile at the will of the insect, and 
lies inserted within the under cavity of the head when 
in complete repose, and the insect can withdraw or 
extend a portion or the whole at its pleasure. Attached 
on each side, at its first bend or elbow, lie the maxilla, 
which, for want of a better term, are called the lower 
jaws, and perhaps properly so from the function they 
perform; for at the point of their downward flexure, 
which occurs at the apex of the labium, and where the 
true tongue commences, they each extend forward in a 
broad, longitudinal membrane, partly coriaceous through¬ 
out its whole length, and these, folded together and be¬ 
neath, form the under sheath of the whole of the rest of 
the lingual apparatus in repose, and often lap over its 
immediate base when even it is extended. Externally 
continuous, the line of these maxilla is broken at the 
point of flexure at the apex of the labium, by a deep 
sinus or curve, and within this is inserted the first joint 
of the maxillary palpi. The portion of the maxillse 
