without a Chape. This Point was likewise armed on both sides with Thorns or Hooks,
x x, y y, z z, exactly like those before described ; which can also be extended or pulled
in just as the Creature pleases.
Such a Structure shews the Use of the Hooks to be very considerable towards thrust-
ing in the Sting as well as fixing it. For the Point, which is extremely sharp, being
thrust easily into the Skin of any Animal, the Bee (when once 'tis entered) by endeavour-
ing to pull it back into the Sheath (whilst its Hooks on either Side lay sast hold on the
Skin) draws the Top of the Sheath into the Skin after it; and then the fixing of the Hooks
on both Sides the Sheath, p p, q q, r r, &cc. into the Skin, not only keeps the Sheath
from sliding back, but furthers its Passage inwards; and thus, by an alternate and succes-
sive retracting and emitting of the Sting in and out of the Sheath, the little angry Creature
can penetrate by Degrees even the tough Hide of a Bear, one of its most deadly Enemies.
This Sort of Motion to and fro, does also perhaps pump up the poisonous Juice, and
make it hang in a Drop at the End of the Sheath b. And these Hooks are probably the
Reason why a Bee, when hastily driven away upon stinging, frequently leaves its Weapon
sticking in the Flesh, thereby causing the painful Symptoms to be greater and more last-
ing.
We fee here the Substance of what Dr. Hooke says concerning a Bee's Sting ; but later
Observers have found some Mistakes in his Account, for no Beards are really to be disco-
vered on the Sheath or Case, which on the contrary is perfectly smooth and polished;
neither has it any Joints, or is parted in two, as his Figure makes it ; nor does it termi-
nate in a bluntish Point, but a very sharp one : Neither is the bearded Weapon always
sticking out beyond the Sheath, as he represents it, nor indeed does it ever come out at the
very Extremity, but at an Orifice below it, and that only in the Act of stinging. This
Part also is greatly misrepresented, for a Couple of bearded Spears or Darts are included
within the Sheath, whereas he supposes no more than one ; the Beards too are placed
only on one Side of each Dart, and not all round them. But as a full and true Description
may be desired by some Readers, 'tis hoped what follows, taken from the Microscope
made easy, will not be thought superfluous.
“ The Sting of a Bee is a horny Sheath or Scabbard that includes two bearded Darts.
" This Sheath ends in a sharp Point ; near the Extremity whereof a Slit opens, through
" which, at the Time of Stinging, two bearded Darts are protruded beyond the End of
" the Sheath ; one whereof being a little longer than the other, fixes its Beard first ; but
" the other instantly following, they penetrate alternately, deeper and deeper, taking hold
" of the Flesh with their Hooks, till the whole Sting becomes buried in the Wound,
" and then a venomous Juice is injected through the same Sheath, from a little Bag at
" the Root of the Sting ; which occasions an acute Pain, and a swelling of the Part,
" continuing sometimes several Days. This is best prevented by enlarging the Wound
" immediately to give it some Discharge.”
“ Mr. Derbam says, he counted in the Sting of a Wasp, eight Beards on the Side
" of each Dart, somewhat like the Beards of Fish-Hooks, and the same Number has been
" observed in that of a Bee. When these Beards are struck deep in the Flesh, if the
" wounded Person starts before the Bee can disengage them, she leaves her Sting behind,
" sticking in the Wound : But if he has Patience to stand quiet till she brings the Hooks
" close down to the Side of the Darts, she withdraws her Weapon, and the Wound
" becomes much less painful.
“To view the Sting of a Bee by the Microscope, cut off the End of its Tail, and
" then touching it with a Pin or Needle, it will thrust out the Sting and Darts, which
" may be snipt off with a Pair of Scissars for Observation. Also, if you catch a Bee in
" a Leather Glove, its Sting will be left therein, being unable to disengage its Hooks
" from Leather : And when it is quite dead, which it will not be till after several Hours,
" you may by Care and Gentleness extract it with its Darts and Hooks. By squeezing
" the Tail, pulling out the Sting, and pressing it at the Bottom, you may likewife force
" up the Darts : But without some Practice this will be a little difficult.”
The Bag containing the poisonous Juice may easily be found at the Bottom of the Sting,
being commonly pulled out with it.
