fore know what may have been done in the
direction whither this study of the sexes has led us. If I am stating
propositions that are really new or at least more comprehensive than the
propositions already known, my words will perhaps sound heretical. No
matter: as a simple translator of facts, I do not hesitate to make my
statement, being fully persuaded that time will turn my heresy into
orthodoxy. I will therefore recapitulate my conclusions.

Bees lay their eggs in series of first females and then males, when
the two sexes are of different sizes and demand an unequal quantity of
nourishment. When the two sexes are alike in size, the same sequence may
occur, but less regularly.

This dual arrangement disappears when the place chosen for the nest
is not large enough to contain the entire laying. We then see broken
layings, beginning with females and ending with males.

The egg, as it issues from the ovary, has not yet a fixed sex. The final
impress that produces the sex is given at the moment of laying or a
little before.

So as to be able to give each larva the amount of space and food that
suits it according as it is male or female, the mother can choose the
sex of the egg which she is about to lay. To meet the conditions of the
building, which is often the work of another or else a natural retreat
that admits of little or no alteration, she lays either a male egg or
a female egg as she pleases. The distribution of the sexes depends upon
herself. Should circumstances require it, the order of the laying can
be reversed and begin with males; lastly, the entire laying can contain
only one sex.

The same privilege is possessed by the predatory Hymenoptera, the Wasps,
at least by those in whom the two sexes are of a different size and
consequently require an amount of nourishment that is larger in the one
case than in the other. The mother must know the sex of the egg which
she is going to lay; she must be able to choose the sex of that egg so
that each larva may obtain its proper portion of food.

Generally speaking, when the sexes are of different sizes, every insect
that collects food and prepares or selects a dwelling for its offspring
must be able to choose the sex of the egg in order to satisfy without
mistake the conditions imposed upon it.

The question remains how this optional assessment of the sexes is
effected. I know absolutely nothing about it. If I should ever learn
anything about this delicate poin