THE BEE. 



generally slightly inclined one to the other, so that the thickness 

 gradually diminishes from top to bottom, as shown in the vertical 

 section, fig. 36. This gradation of thickness is continued to a 



Fig. 37. 



certain point, while the width of the comb is continually aug- 

 mented ; but so soon as the workers obtain sufficient space to 

 lengthen it, it begins to lose this form, and the surfaces become 

 sensibly parallel. 



84. A certain class of naturalists, who have directed their at- 

 tention to the history of this insect, appear to have taken a 

 pleasure in forming hypotheses, by which it would be reduced to 

 a mere machine. Thus, according to them, the formation of the 

 various parts of the comb would result from a mere mechanical 

 necessity, the organs of the insect being supposed to be so formed 

 that the different parts of the cells would receive their forms by a 

 mechanical process, as in certain operations in the arts the most 

 exact geometrical forms are imparted to materials by punches and 

 dies expressly made for the purpose. 



Between such expedients and the organs of this admirable 

 insect, there is, however, not the remotest analogy. 



The mechanical instruments with which they work are the 

 feet, the mandibles, and the tongue, the operations of which are 

 guided by the antennae, which are feelers of exquisite sensibility. 

 They do not remove in their operations a single particle of wax, 

 until the surface to be sculptured has been carefully explored by 

 the antenna). These organs are so flexible and so easily applied 

 to all parts, however delicate, of their workmanship, that they 

 are capable of performing the offices of square and compass, 

 measuring the minutest parts with the utmost precision, so as to 

 guide the work in the dark, and produce with unerring precision 

 that wondrous structure called the comb. 



85. It is impossible to behold a dissected comb without per- 

 ceiving the 1 geometrical necessity which connects one part with 



40 



