The Life of the Bee 



wise explains the existence of the pris- 

 matic base of the cells. But above all 

 we might answer that there are more 

 ways than one of dealing with rigid neces- 

 sity ; that the wasp, the humble-bee, the 

 trigonas and meliponas of Mexico and 

 Brazil achieve very different and mani- 

 festly inferior results, although the cir- 

 cumstances, and their own intentions, are 

 absolutely identical with those of the 

 bees. It might further be urged that if 

 the bee's cell does indeed follow the law 

 that governs crystals, snow, soap-bubbles, 

 as well as Buffon's boiled peas, it also, 

 through its general symmetry, disposition 

 in opposite layers, and angle of inclina- 

 tion, obeys many other laws that are not 

 to be found in matter. May we not say, 

 too, of man that all his genius is com- 

 prised in his fashion of handling kindred 

 necessities ? And if it appear to us that 

 his manner of treating these is the best 

 199 



