80 



INSECT MANUFACTURES. 



had the combs consisted of one layer only. But 

 this is not all. The base of each cell is not an 

 exact plane, but is usually composed of three 

 lozenge-shaped pieces, placed so as to form a 

 pyramidal concavity. From this form it follows 

 that the base of a cell on one side of the comb is 

 composed of portions of the bases of three cells on 

 the other. By this arrangement a greater degree 



FRONT AND REVERSE VIEW OF CELLS. 



of strength is obtained, and also a more roomy 

 cell, with less expenditure of wax. This has been 

 clearly proved, as also that the angles of the base 

 of the cell are exactly those which require the 



