852 INSECT THAT LIVE 
ed to the rearing of their young, and 
their own safety? If these wandering 
insects inspire us with any interest, it 
cannot be by placing at their side objects, 
whose comparison would. be disadvan- 
tageous to them ;_ let us, therefore, return 
to the parallel of those, whose manners 
and habits announce a.certain degree of 
civilization. 
Can we sufficiently admire the skill 
the bee displays in the distribution of 
that ductile substance, with which it 
constructs its combs, in forming that 
double rank of hexagonal cells with 
pyramidal bottoms, (the base of which 
serves as-a partition for three other cells, ) 
those parallel streets, and those maga- 
zines, which it fills with provision for the 
winter, &c.? This is the insect which 
amasses real provision, inclosing it and 
guarding it with care. * 
* We have, at all times, admired the structure of 
the combs of bees: the angles of the cells have 
been measured by skilful geometricians ; but we are 
yet ignorant of the manner in which these industri- 
