Page:The life of the bee (IA cu31924101469827).pdf/375



EFORE closing this book—as we have closed the hive on the torpid silence of winter—I am anxious to meet the objection invariably urged by those to whom we reveal the astounding industry and policy of the bees. Yes, they will say, that is all very wonderful; but then, it has never been otherwise. The bees have for thousands of years dwelt under remarkable laws, but during those thousands of years the laws have not varied. For thousands of years they have constructed their marvellous combs, whereto we can add nothing, wherefrom we can take nothing,—combs that unite 363