Insect Geometry 



The one that will approximate most 

 closely to the circumference of a circle and 

 hence be best adapted to the cylindrical form 

 of the larva; the one that, with a containing 

 wall of the same extent, will yield the great- 

 est capacity, a condition essential to the free 

 growth of the grubs. Of the three regular 

 figures that can be assembled without vacant 

 intervals, our geometry suggests the hexagon; 

 and it is the hexagon and none other that is 

 chosen by the geometry of the Wasps. The 

 cells are hexagonal prisms. 



Every high and harmonious achievement 

 finds supersubtle minds that strive to degrade 

 it. What has not been said on the subject of 

 hexagonal cells, above all on the subject of 

 the Bee's, which are arranged in a double 

 layer and united at the base? Reasons of 

 economy of both wax and space demand that 

 this base shall be a pyramid formed of three 

 rhombs with angles of fixed value. Scientific 

 calculations tell us the value of these angles 

 in degrees, minutes and seconds. The gonio- 

 meter subjects the work of the Bee to exami- 

 nation and finds that the value is precisely 

 calculated to degrees, minutes and seconds. 

 The insect's work is in perfect agreement 

 with the nicest speculations of our own geo- 

 metry. 



235 



