THE HONEY-BEE. 1 09 



circumstances demand the construction of enlarged 

 cells, and after building 30 or 40 rows of them, to 

 return to the proper proportions from which they 

 have departed, by successive reductions. Both of 

 these kinds of cells being nearly horizontal, it may 

 seem surprising that they can be filled with, and re- 

 tain, the honey-fluid. The fact is, however, that 

 they are not horizontal, but are elevated at an angle 

 of never less than 5, and sometimes when the honey 

 is rendered peculiarly thin and fluid by the warmth 

 of the season, at not less than from 15 to 20 above 

 the level of the horizon. We have often observed 

 in the months of July and August, when the weather 

 was very favourable for the secretion of honey and 

 wax, the bees eagerly engaged in forming cells de- 

 signed for honey only, and differing considerably 

 from those which are intended in the first instance 

 for the reception of eggs. The texture of the former 

 is thinner, and their depth much greater ; and as the 

 honey is at this period of the year of a rarer and 

 more fluid quality, these cells are by a wise instinct 

 made with a much greater dip or inclination than 

 the ordinary ones, that there may be less risk of the 

 liquid running out before they are sealed. Doubtless, 

 also, the honey is prevented from escaping, partly 

 by its own viscosity, and partly by the force of capil- 

 lary attraction. For if we carefully examine a cell 

 when nearly full, it will be observed that the sur- 

 face of the fluid is considerably concave, from its ad- 

 hesion to the sides of the cell. It will also be ob- 

 served how ingeniously the bees seal up their trea- 



