Formation of the Cells of Bees and Wasps. 119 
third cells are separated by a flat partition. These are slight 
irregularities in the work, and I dwell upon them because I 
believe that it is only by bestowing close attention to such points 
that we shall arrive at any satisfactory solution of the problem 
furnished by the hexagonal form of the cells of these insects. 
Lastly, I will notice, that notwithstanding the very small 
amount of work that has been bestowed upon these six rudi- 
mentary cells, there is still a small portion of another cell visible. 
This little shelf (d), which springs from the angle between two 
marginal cells, is clearly the commencement of a cell.* 
* The pieces of comb just described are undoubtedly the work of the neuter 
insects. Mr, Smith, our best authority for all that appertains to the Hymenopterous 
insects, thus describes the early work of the female wasp:—‘ She begins by 
making three circular saucer-shaped receptacles, in each of which she deposits 
an egg; she then proceeds to form other similar shaped receptacles, until the 
eggs first deposited are hatched, and the young grubs require a share of her 
attention. From the circular bases she now begins to raise her hexagonal cells— 
not building them up at once, but from time to time raising them as the young 
grubs grow.” See Proc. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1858, p. 35. 
From certain specimens before me of the early work of the female wasp, I will 
make a slight addition to the above. These specimens, being forwarded for the pur- 
pose by Mr. Stone, were exhibited by Mr. Smith at our last meeting (in February ; 
see Proc. Ent. Soc. 1864, p. 2), and are now again before you for inspection. 
They have kindly been placed in my hands for examination since their first exhi- 
bition. Amongst these specimens is a single isolated cell, or rather a commence- 
ment of a cell—it being the first one constructed by the insect. It isin the form of 
a low, hollow cone, the pointed end being attached to a small stalk, and is about 
one-eighth of an inch in height, and of the same width at its opening. Undera 
magnifying glass it appears to be built entirely of glistening, whitish, silk-like 
threads, which I have little doubt are a secretion from the insect, all the threads 
being firmly attached together as if they had originally been of a glutinous nature. 
Of two other specimens, one shows three low, hollow cones, each cone united to two 
others, and at their junction having flattish partitions. The third specimen shows 
four such cones, with flat partitions between them. The largest of these cones 
scarcely exceeds the first isolated cone in size, and there are some which are de- 
cidedly smaller. Under a lens the work appears rather rude and irregular, the apices 
of the cones not springing from the same level, and the so-called flat partitions only 
in a rude manner sketching out the future hexagon. These cells differ from those 
formed by the neuters, later in the season, in being of smaller size, and in appa- 
rently having no admixture of foreign substances (such as masticated dead or 
rotten wood, which appears to be most commonly used) in their composition ; and 
I cannot help thinking that the extreme economy of material which is apparent in 
the spring nest formed by the female wasp, not only in the formation of the cells, 
but likewise in that of their covering, has connexion with the nature of the 
material used. Almost simultaneously with the commencement of the cells, it 
appears that the nest-covering is commenced. At first it has the appearance of 
a miniature umbrella, serving to shelter the rudimentary cells. As the cells pro- 
gress so does the thin covering, by additions to the free edge, until, when com- 
