ON THE PHYSICAL POWER OF INSECTS. 235 



useful as any of the directions given by more modern writers. But it is to 

 observations commenced in the last century only that we owe our knowledge of 

 their internal economy. The works of Bees are well able to bear, and quite 

 consistent with, the rigorous character of all modern inquiries, which are now 

 rapidly driving from the field many fabulous accounts that had their foundation 

 in objects of Natural History. 



The most satisfactory account of the habits of Bees is grounded on investiga- 

 tions conducted by M. Huber — observations which, for exactness, are inferior to 

 none, and which would of themselves be sufficient to send down the name of their 

 author honorably to posterity ; but when it is remembered, that he who guided 

 them was deprived of what seems the very first requisite for making observations, 

 viz. eye-sight, M. Huber's name will always stand forward in the page of 

 history to cheer on the labourer in the cause of science for the accomplishment of 

 a task which at first may seem far beyond his reach. 



No branch of insect architecture has called forth so much admiration as the 

 cells of the Hive Bee. Two of the ancient philosophers are said to have devoted 

 nearly their whole lives to their study. It is but in recent times, however, that, 

 with the aid of the most refined mathematical inquiries, we have been enabled 

 fully to value their skill. It was first shown by the calculus, and subsequently 

 MacLaurin, with a truly felicitous skill, as Lord Brougham expresses it, has 

 succeeded by means of Geometry to prove, that the Hive Bee works with ma- 

 thematical precision to construct a cell uniting the greatest strength and capacity 

 with the least possible expenditure of materials. It is true the angles of the cell 

 differ very slightly from the form of the calculated shape, but it is confidently 

 expected that future inquiries, or a more perfect knowledge of the economy of 

 insects, will assign a cause for the difference. 



In conversing with those who are much accustomed to observe Bees, it will 

 frequently be found that they have very little to say in favour of their architec- 

 ture. The Bee is guided by an unerring instinct, which, acting, as in the other 

 lower animals, without any discretionary power, forces it to work in all cases in 

 one way. 



The wax- workers secrete the wax and lay the foundations of the cells, by first 

 forming a thick piece of wax ; as soon as this is done, another class of Bees, 

 called the " sculptors,'' proceed to excavate the bottom of a cell ; sides are 

 subsequently added to it by the wax- workers. Wherever a sculptor Bee finds a 

 thick piece of wax, it is sure to hollow out the form of a rudimentary cell, 

 whether or no the situation in which the wax is placed be capable of permitting 

 the cell to be finished. 



From this arrangement they frequently appear lavish of their hexagonal figures 

 where we can see no use for them. Thus, when any foreign matter is introduced 



