62 BEES. 



particularly confine ourselves to the descrip- 

 tion of the Hive Bee, as related by the 

 Rev. Mr. Bingley. 



In the formation of their combs, the 

 present insect seems to resolve a problem 

 which would not be a little puzzling to some 

 geometricians, namely, " A quantity of wax 

 being given to make of it equal and similar 

 cells of a determined capacity, but of the 

 largest size in proportion to the quantity of 

 matter employed, and disposed in such a 

 manner as to occupy in the hive the least 

 possible space." Every part of this problem 

 is completely executed by the Bees. By 

 applying hexagonal cells to each others'* sides, 

 no void spaces are left between them ; and 

 though the same end might be accomplished 

 by other figures, yet such would necessarily 

 require a greater quantity of wax. Besides 

 hexagonal cells are better fitted to receive the 

 cylindrical bodies of these insects. A comb 

 consists of two strata of cells applied to each 

 other''s ends. This arrangement both saves 

 room in the hive, and gives a double entry 

 into the cells of which the comb is composed. 

 As a further saving of wax, and for prevent- 



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