(2 ASI ) 
III. On the Construction of Hexagonal Cells by Bees and 
Wasps. By Freperick Smita, late Pres. Ent. Soc. 
{Read 4th April, 1864.] 
Ar the March meeting of this Society, Mr. Waterhouse pro- 
pounded his theory of the construction of hexagonal cells by bees 
and wasps, and, supposing his to be the true solution of the 
problem, we are asked to accept it as explanatory of the manner 
in which all social insects form them. For years past I have had 
constant opportunities of examining nests of the social Hymen- 
optera, and I also formed a beautiful assortment of specimens for 
my own study; the result has been a conviction on my own part, 
that a different process obtains in different species; not that each 
particular species differs from all others, but that a variety of 
modes is observable amongst them in constructing hexagonal 
cells, 
A mud-cell was exhibited to us by Mr. Waterhouse, and its 
mode of construction explained; whilst building this cell, the 
insect was stated to have always placed itself in one fixed position 
when at work, and the diameter of its cell was said to have been 
determined by the distance the insect could reach when thus at 
work. Now in that particular instance it no doubt was so; but 
had a hemispherical excavation of a similar diameter been made 
by a species of Sphex, by Ammophila lutaria for instance, that 
insect would have gone to work in a very different way. dAm- 
mophila is three times the size of the bee, but she would 
have moved round and round in different directions, until the 
same result was produced. Large insects frequently construct 
cells of smaller diameter than others built by smaller insects ; 
and individuals of the same species may be observed at one 
time laboriously constructing cell after cell, whilst another is 
seen to avail itself of some ready-formed cavity, if equally 
adapted to its purposes. I am here alluding to solitary species ; 
but I will show you this evening, that hive-bees will avail 
themselves of extraneous aid, and that if furnished with a series 
of pyramidal bases, they will readily erect hexagonal walls 
thereon; and 1 think you will see, that bees can form hexagonal- 
shaped cells without working in a circular direction at all, and 
VOL. 1, THIRD SERIES, PART Il,—AvGUST, 1864, L 
