THE SOVEREIGN WORKER-BEE 135 



employed in comb-building, each leg constructing 

 its own portion of the cell. A more modern idea 

 is that the particular shape of the cell is accidental, 

 or rather the outcome of compelling circumstance, 

 mutual pressure causing the cells to assume the 

 hexagonal form. 



Now, it is quite true that soaked peas in a bottle 

 will take this shape in swelling, but the analogy 

 will not hold good in respect of comb-building. 

 In the work of the bees there is no pressure or 

 constriction of any kind. Each cell is made 

 separately, being joined on to those above it ; and 

 the comb expands steadily downward and side- 

 ways through an empty space until the desired 

 limit is reached. A much more probable explana- 

 tion of the hexagonal form of the cell is that it 

 was arrived at by experience. The first combs 

 may have been built with round cells, the inter- 

 stices being filled in with wax. But the bee, who 

 is an expert in the science of economy, would 

 quickly see the disadvantage of this plan. And 

 with the hexagonal principle, an old familiar thing 

 in the hive — witness the pattern on the egg- 

 surfaces, and the compound eye-construction — it 

 would not be long before she hit upon the better, 

 more scientific way. 



There is, however, another reason, and almost 

 as potent a one, for the adoption of the six-sided 

 cell both for brood-raising and the storing of 

 honey. It must be remembered that the present 



