Page:Jardine Naturalist's library Bees.djvu/32 availed ourselves
of the information dispersed throughout a variety of
publications, both ancient and modern, with such additions of
our own, as have been acquired by the observation of Bees for a
period of thirty years. Our prescribed limits have restricted
us, in a great degree, to mere matters of fact, and prevented us
often from illustrating our subject, as we might have done with
advantage, by reference to the habits and instincts of other of
the insect tribes. The same cause has operated as a bar to our
indulging so frequently as our inclination would have led us, in
those reflections which the wonders in animal economy are so
well fitted to excite, and which lead so irresistibly to the
conclusion that there is a Wise and Designing Cause. We trust,
however, that the facts detailed, will, of themselves, lead the
mind of the intelligent reader to such reflections, and thus
become the source of a purer gratification than would have been
derived from the sugges