HABITATIOiVS OF INSECTS. 495 



general form of the cells is hexagonal, that of those 

 first begun is pentagonal., the side next the top of the 

 hive, and by which the comb is attached, being much 

 broader than the rest ; whence the comb is more strongly 

 united to the hive than if these cells were of the ordi- 

 nary shape. It of course follows that the base of these 

 cells, instead of being formed like those of the hexa- 

 gonal cells of three rhomboids, consists of one rhom- 

 boid and two trapeziums. 



The form of a new comb is lenticular, its thickness 

 always diminishing towards the edges. This gradation 

 is constantly observable while it keeps enlarging in cir- 

 cumference ; but as soon as the bees get sufficient space 

 to lengthen it, it begins to lose this form and to assume 

 parallel surfaces : it has then received the shape which 

 it will always preserve. 



The bees appear to give the proper forms to the bot- 

 toms of the cells by means of their antennae, which ex- 

 traordinary organs they seem to employ as directors 

 by which their other instruments are instructed to exe- 

 cute a very complex work. They do not remove a 

 single particle of wax until the antennas have explored 

 the surface that is to be sculptured. By the use of these 

 organs, which are so flexible and so readily applied to 

 all parts, however delicate, that they can perform the 

 functions of compasses in measuring very minute ob- 

 jects, they can work in the dark, and raise those won- 

 derful combs the first production of insects. 



Every part of the work appears a natural consequence 

 of that which precedes it, so that chance has no share 

 in the admirable results witnessed. The bees cannot 

 depart from their prescribed route, except in conse- 



