THE MAEYEL OF INSECT LIFE. 



CHAPTER VI. 



LET NOTHING BE LOST. 



IN the hive nothing ever is wasted, and the most 

 striking example of this fact is the manner in which 

 the wax is used. 



This material, being the product of slow secretion 

 from the body of the bee, and demanding that the 

 insect shall do nothing at all during the process, is far 

 too precious to be wasted, and, in consequence, the 

 largest possible result is produced with the least possible 

 expenditure of material. It has been calculated that 

 two pounds weight of wax will suffice for the construc- 

 tion of eighty thousand cells, each cell being separately 

 formed and having its own walls. 



How such a structure can be formed, requiring so very 



