542 SOCIETIES OP INSECTS 1 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 queen ; 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.- WORKING BEE. the material that we- term wax. 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 

 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 larvae 

 (fig. 284) and pupce (fig. 285), it is evident that their form. 



