The Wasp. 



579 



the smallest possible space ; and it has been found, by 

 mathematical calculation, that if it were desired to con- 

 struct a series of cavities of a given size within the 

 smallest possible space and with the smallest possible 

 amount of materials, we should have to adopt precisely 

 the same plan, even to the forms of the sides of the cells 

 and the angles at which they are attached to each other, 

 that has been instinctively adopted by the little Bee. 

 At the entrance of every cell the Bee architect places a 

 flange of wax, which fortifies the aperture, and prevents 

 the injuries it might receive from the frequent ingress 

 and egress of the Bees. 



Bees produce honey, which they lay up for winter 

 consumption ; wax, of which they form their cells ; and 

 a substance called bee-bread, which they extract chiefly 

 from the pollen of flowers, and which they use for feed- 

 ing their young. 



Above are given representations of, first, the Queen 

 Bee, placed on the left-hand side ; second, the Drone ; 

 and, third, the Working See. 



THE WASP, (Vespa vulgaris,*) 



Is a very fierce, dangerous, and rapacious insect ; it is 

 much larger than the bee, and furnished with a powerful 

 sting. The abdomen is striped with yellow and black. 



