Curiosities & wonders > New observations on the natural history of bees

102
COMBATS OF QUEENS.
Schirach ; but it is necessary, in explaining
it, that I should relate a new feature in the
policy of bees at considerable length.
In the natural state of hives, several
queens, issuing from different royal cells,
may sometimes exist at the same moment,
and they will remain either until formation
of a swarm or a combat among them decides
to which the throne shall appertain. But
excepting this case, there never can be su¬
pernumerary queens; and if an observer
wishes to introduce one, he can accomplish
it only by force, that is, by opening the hive.
In a word, no queen can insinuate herself
into a hive in the natural state, for the fol¬
lowing reasons.,
Bees preserve a sufficient guard, day and
night, at the entrance of their habitation.
These vigilant centinels examine whatever
is presented: and, as if distrusting their
eyes, they touch with the antenna; every in¬
dividual endeavouring to penetrate the hive,
and also the various substances put within
their reach; which affords us an opportuni¬
ty of observing that the antenna; are cer¬
tainly the organs of feeling. If a stranger
queen appears, her entry is prevented by the
bees on guard instantly laying hold of her