542 SOCIETIES OF INSECTS :—HIVE-BEE. 
arranged parallel to each other at a regular distance, and are 
united at intervals by little columns which serve to suspend 
them (fig. 272), The whole is either hung in the air, lodged _ 
in the hollow of a tree, or buried in the ground ; and it/is- 
sometimes enclosed in a general envelope, sometimes left un? 
covered, according to the species. 
712. The same community of labour is observed in the 
ordinary Hive-Bees, which present to the intelligent observer 
a source of interesting occupation that scarcely ever fails. 
The number and variety of instincts, each of them most per- 
fectly adapted to the end in view, which these Insects exhibit, 
is most wonderful; and many volumes have been written 
upon them, without by any means exhausting the subject. 
Nothing more than a very general sketch of these can be 
attempted in the present treatise ; but the illustrations they 
afford of the general remarks heretofore made upon the nature 
of Instinct, are too valuable to be passed-by. Each Hive 
contains but a single gueen ; and she is the only individual 
ordinarily capable of laying eggs. There are usually from 6 to 
800. males or drones ; and from 10,000 to 30,000 neuters or 
“working-bees” (fig. 283). In their | 
_ natural condition Bees live in the — 
? hollows of trees; but they appear 
equally ready to avail themselves of 
the habitations prepared for them 
by Man. The cells of which their 
combs are composed, are built-up of 
Fig. 283.—Wonxixe Bex. the material that we termwaz. Of this 
a part may be obtained direct from Plants, since it is secreted 
in greater or less abundance by several species ; but there seems 
to be no doubt, that Bees can elaborate it for themselves from 
the saccharine materials of their aliment ($155). The wax is’ 
separated in little scales, from between the segments of the | 
abdomen; these scales are kneaded-together by the mandibles | 
of the Insect, and are then applied to ; the construction of the 
cells. It is easy to understand that the hexagonal form is J 
that which enables the cells to be best adapted to the purposes 
for which they are built, whilst the least amount of material 
is expended. As they are intended not only to contain a' 
store of honey, but also to serve as the residence for the larva 
(fig. 284) and pupe (fig. 285), it is evident that their form 
