HABITATIONS OF INSECTS. 4-93 



two adjoining ones by some rows of cells, and they be- 

 yond those that are exterior to them. Was it permitted 

 to these insects to lay the foundation of all their combs 

 at the same time, they could not be placed conveniently 

 or parallel to each other. So with respect to the cells, the 

 first cavity determines the place of all that succeed it. 



A large number of bees work at the same time on the 

 same comb ; but they are not moved to it by a simul- 

 taneous but by a successive impulse. A single bee begins 

 every partial operation, and many others in succession 

 add their efforts to hers, each appearing to act indivi- 

 dually in a direction impressed either by the workers 

 who have preceded it, or by the condition in which it 

 finds the work. The whole population of wax-makers 

 is in a state of the most complete inaction till one bee 

 goes forth to lay the foundations of the first comb. Im- 

 mediately others second her intentions, adding to the 

 height and length of the mass ; and when they cease to 

 act, a bee, if the term may be used, of another profession, 

 one of the nurse-bees, goes to form the draught of the 

 first cell, in which she is succeeded by others. 



The diameters of the cells intended for the larvae of 

 workers is always 2| lines, that of those meant for the 

 larvae of the males or drones 3j lines. The male cells 

 are generally in the middle of the combs, or in their 

 sides ; rarely in their upper part. They are never in- 

 sulated, but form a corresponding group on both sides 

 the comb. When the bees form male cells below those of 

 neuters, they construct many rows of intermediate ones, 

 the diameter of which augments progressively till it at- 

 tains that of a male cell ; and they observe the same me- 

 thod when they revert from male cells to those of neuters. 



