The Life of the Bee 



[59] 



Were it our desire to throw light upon 

 all the secrets of this geometric architect- 

 ure, we should have more than one curi- 

 ous question still to consider ; as for 

 instance the shape of the first cells, 

 which, being attached to the roof, are 

 modified in such a manner as to touch 

 the roof at the greatest possible number 

 of points. 



The design of the principal thorough- 

 fares is determined by the parallelism of 

 the combs ; but we must admire the in- 

 genious construction of alleys and gang- 

 ways through and around the comb, so 

 skilfully contrived as to provide short cuts 

 in every direction and prevent conges- 

 tion of traffic, while ensuring free circula- 

 tion of air. And finally we should have 

 to study the construction of transition 

 cells, wherein we see a unanimous instinct 

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