ARCHITECTURE OF BEES. 



353 



tion, the bottoms or bases of which are composed 

 of two rhombs and two hexagons, instead of three 

 rhombs ; the rhombs and hexagons gradually 

 varying in form and relative proportion, till the 

 requisite size, namely that of the cells which they 

 are approaching, has been attained. The following 

 outlines will serve to convey to the reader the 

 regular steps in this progressive increase. 



The same gradation is observed when returning 

 to smaller cells. Every apparent irregularity is 

 therefore determined by a sufficient motive, and 

 forms no impeachment of the sagacity of the 

 bee. 



The common breeding-cells of drones or workers 

 are, occasionally, (after being cleaned,) made the 

 depositories of honey ; but the cells are never made 

 so clean, as to preserve the honey undeteriorated. 



