542 
SOCIETIES OF INSECTS :-HIVE-BEE. 
arranged parallel to each other at a regular distance, and are 
united at intervals by little columns which serve to suspend 
them (fig. 272). The whole is either hung in the air, lodged 
in the hollow of a tree, or buried in the ground; and it is 
sometimes enclosed in a general envelope, sometimes left un¬ 
covered, according to the species. 
712. The same community of labour is observed in the 
ordinary Hive-Bees , which present to the intelligent observer 
a source of interesting occupation that scarcely ever fails. 
The number and variety of instincts, each of them most per¬ 
fectly adapted to the end in view, which these Insects exhibit, 
is most wonderful; and many volumes have been written 
upon them, without by any means exhausting the subject. 
Nothing more than a very general sketch of these can be 
attempted in the present treatise; but the illustrations they 
afford of the general remarks heretofore made upon the nature 
of Instinct, are too valuable to be passed-by. Each Hive 
contains but a single queen; and she is the only individual 
ordinarily capable of laying eggs. There are usually from 6 to 
800 males or drones; and from 10,000 to 30,000 neuters or 
“ working-bees ” (fig. 283). In their 
natural condition Bees live in the 
hollows of trees ; but they appear 
equally ready to avail themselves of 
the habitations prepared for them 
by Man. The cells of which their 
combs are composed, are built-up of 
Fig. 283.—Working Bee. the material that we ternim?#. Of this 
a part may be obtained direct from Plants, since it is secreted 
in greater or less abundance by several species ; but there seems 
to be no doubt, that Bees can elaborate it for themselves from 
the saccharine materials of their aliment (§ 155). The wax is 
separated in little scales, from between the segments of the 
abdomen; these scales are kneaded-together by the mandibles 
of the Insect, and are then applied to the construction of the 
cells. It is easy to understand that the hexagonal form is 
that which enables the cells to be best adapted to the purposes 
for which they are built, whilst the least amount of material 
is expended. As they are intended not only to contain a 
store of honey, but also to serve as the residence for the larvae 
(fig. 284) and pupae (fig. 285), it is evident that their form 
