280 CANOE-VOYAGE DOWN THE EIO NAPO. 



kind that construct a nest similar to a wasps'. A few 

 species collect sour honey. Large quantities of wax are 

 gathered in the different provinces of Brazil, by the na- 

 tives, who arc experts in finding a " bee-tree." In Agassiz's 

 " A Joui-ney in Brazil " we observe the following, relative 

 to the mathematics of the bee, displayed in the construc- 

 tion of its cells : " The bees stand as close as they can to- 

 gether in their hive, for economy of space, and each one 

 deposits his wax around him, his own form and size being 

 the mould for the cells, the regularity of which, when com- 

 pleted, excites so much wonder and admiration. The 

 mathematical secret of the bee is to be found in his struct- 

 ure, not in his instinct." This statement is incorrect, and 

 the inference wrong. In South America are species of 

 bees that, while possessing forms quite as perfect as Euro- 

 pean varieties, still display less accuracy and economy in 

 the construction of their cells. We are at a loss to con- 

 ceive how, if the shape of the cell of our own hive-bee be 

 dependent upon the structure of the insect, that should 

 give it its peculiar hexagonal form. A few moments' ob- 

 servation before an open hive shows us the true modus ope- 

 randi. The bee, instead of depositing the wax about its 

 body, takes a position upon the comb, while the scale of 

 wax, secreted from its body, is placed upon the edge of 

 the cell, and carefully moulded into shape. The mysteries 

 and mathematics of the hive must be sought in the uistinct 

 of the bee, and not in its structure. 



The Napo Indians, at the time of our arrival, were 

 celebrating one of their festivals — a curious amalgamation 

 of their own customs with innovations introduced by the 

 padres, during their semi-occasional visits among them. 

 While delayed here several days, in making preparations 

 for our trip to the Amazons, we were entertained by j> 

 constant drumming, the essential accompaniment of an 

 Indian pow-wow. To drum and drink chicha are the cen- 



