4-±6 



HOMES WITHOUT HANDS. 



the human race. There are many other insects which are in re- 

 ality quite as useful to us, and, indeed, are indispensable, but which 

 we neglect because we are ignorant of their labors. The Bee, 

 however, furnishes two powerful and tangible arguments in its 

 favor, namely, honey and wax, and is sure, therefore, to enlist our 

 sympathies in its behalf. 



Independently, however, of these claims to our notice, if the 

 Bee never made an ounce of honey — if the wax were as useless 

 to us as a wasp-comb — if the insect were a mere stinging creature, 

 with a tetchy temper, it would still deserve our admiration, on 

 account of the wonderful manner in which it constructs its social 

 home, and the method by which that home is regulated. 



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The accompanying illustration shows the lower part of the in- 

 terior of a hive, which is supposed to be viewed through a plate 



