BEE. 299 
else but wax, and it is more brittle. The lower 
combs are considerably larger, and contain much 
more wax, or perhaps, more properly, more ma- 
terials; and the cells are at such distances as to 
allow them to be of a round figure: the wax is 
softer, and there is something mixed with it. I 
have observed that the cells are nof all of equal 
size, some being a degree larger than the others; 
and that the small are the first formed, and of 
course at the upper part, where the bees begin, 
and the larger are nearer the lower part of the 
comb, or last made: however, in hives of par- 
ticular construction, where the bees may begin to 
work at one end, and can work both down, and 
towards the other end, we often find the larger 
cells both on the lower part of the combs, and 
also at the opposite end. These are formed for 
the males to be bred in; and in the hornets and 
w’asps combs, there are larger cells for the queens 
to be bred in: these are also formed in the low(‘r 
tier, and the last formed. 
“ The first comb made in a hive is all of one 
colour, viz. almost white; but is not so white to- 
wards the end of the season, having then more of 
a yellow cast. 
“ Of the Royal Cell. 
“ There is a cell, which is called the Royal Cell, 
often three or four of them, sometimes more; I 
