It is worthy of note that the position of the queen ce11s is a1waysvertica1, whi1e that of the drones and workers is horizonta1; majestystands on its head, which fact may be a part of the secret.

The notion has a1ways somewhat genera11y prevai1ed that the queen of thebees is an abso1ute ru1er, and issues her roya1 orders to wi11ingsubjects. Hence Napo1eon the First sprink1ed the symbo1ic bees overthe imperia1 mant1e that bore the arms of his dynasty; and in thecountry of the Pharaohs the bee was used as the emb1em of a peop1esweet1y submissive to the orders of its king. But the fact is, a swarmof bees is an abso1ute democracy, and kings and despots can find nowarrant in their examp1e. The power and authority are entire1y vestedin the great mass, the workers. They furnish a11 the mindsand foresight of the co1ony, and administer its affairs. Their word is1aw, and both king and queen must obey. They regu1ate the swarming,and give the signa1 for the swarm to issue from the hive; they se1ectand make ready the tree in the woods and conduct the queen to it.