These instruments, which are obviously intended to enable the little worker to bruise, crush, or divide hard substances, are extremely strong and solid, being composed of the same dark, horny, opake substance (chitine) as that constituting the rings of the body; whilst the remaining parts of the oral apparatus, although horny, are translucent and of a bright straw colour. The most conspicuous of these are the maxillæ (Pl. V. fig. 1, cc), two long pointed blades, whose thin edges work one against another like those of a pair of ordinary sheep-shears, which instrument they indeed resemble in shape, and along the middle of each blade there runs a longitudinal rib covered with hairs. At this part the blade suddenly becomes thin and transparent, forming the edge, whilst the back is much stronger and thicker, being supported by a series of transverse ribs (Pl. V. fig. 1, c' c'); these ribs, on being closely examined, are found to resemble those in the proboscis of the Fly, and their function has long been a subject of controversy: in all probability they merely form a basis of support to the organs in which they are present.

This shape or structure of the maxillæ or jaws is doubtless the most perfectly adapted to aid the insect in cutting and moulding its wax, in which operation it also employs the exquisitely-formed ligula or tongue (Pl. V. fig. 1, d).

The ligula, along with the two lateral feelers (labial palpi), constitute the remaining portion of the oral apparatus; and the former is of the most delicate con

struction, being covered along its whole length with regular and symmetrical circlets or wreaths of fine hairs, and terminated by a little flat lenticular expansion, as represented in Pl. V. fig. 1, d'. It is the opinion of some authors, that the ligula, unlike the proboscis of the Butterfly, which operates as a tubular suction-pump, is employed by the insect to lap the honey after the manner of the tongue in the higher animals. A careful examination of the organ, however, shows that it is furnished with a long thin tube, which, commencing at the root, traverses the whole length, and terminates at the little expansion referred to. This tube (which can be detached) may perhaps be partially open on one side, or, judging by its appearance at the base of the ligula, it is probably so formed that it can be closed at the will of the insect; but there can be little doubt, from its whole appearance and its connexion with the terminal disc, that it serves to convey the nectar to the mouth. Lastly, the labial palpi (Pl. V. fig. 1, e) are articulated and terminated by little knobs covered with hairs, and, as already observed, when not in use, the whole of this complicated apparatus lies folded up and concealed behind the pointed termination, and beneath the under surface of the head.

With regard to the oral organs of the Bee, we have only further to observe, that although at first sight it may appear strange that so humble an insect should be thus remarkably endowed, it will no longer be a matter of surprise when we come to consider

Anatomy of Head, & Hooklets of Wing of Bee.

its various occupations. Then, indeed, you will rather be disposed to wonder how so simple an apparatus can be made subservient to such a variety of purposes, as the gathering of honey, the kneading, cutting, manipulation and adjustment of wax, the plastering of propolis, the feeding of the young, and many other employments too numerous to be recorded.

Having thus completed our survey of the organs and appendages situated upon the Bee's head, let us now proceed to the consideration of those upon the thorax or chest. This segment of the body (Pl. II. figs. 1, 2, 6) is subdivided into three sections or imperfect rings, the anterior of which is called the prothorax, the middle the mesothorax, and the posterior the metathorax. As stated in a former chapter, the members of locomotion, which are all appended to the chest, consist of three pairs of legs and two pairs of wings; whereof the two anterior legs are situated upon the prothorax; the middle pair of legs, along with one pair of wings, upon the mesothorax ; and the third, or posterior pairs of legs and wings, are connected with the metathorax.

The leg of the Bee, like that of all other insects, is composed of five limbs or members, some of which possess features of great interest in relation to the functions that they have to perform; for you must know that the legs of the Bee serve the insect not only as members of locomotion, but also, as you will see hereafter, in various other ways connected with its daily pursuits in and out of the hive.