COMBS. 29 



the surface that is to be sculptured. By the use of these 

 organs, which are so flexible and so readily applied to 

 all parts, however delicate, that they can perform the 

 functions of compasses in measuring very minute objects, 

 they can work in the dark, and raise those wonderful 

 combs, the first production of insects. 



" Every part of the work appears a natural consequence 

 of that which precedes it, so that chance has no share in 

 the admirable results witnessed. The Bees cannot depart 

 from their prescribed route, except in consequence of 

 particular circumstances, which alter the basis of their 

 labour. The original mass of wax is never augmented, 

 but by an uniform quantity; and what is most aston- 

 ishing, this augmentation is made by the Wax Makers, 

 who are the depositories of the primary matter, and 

 possess not the art of sculpturing the cells. 



" The Bees never begin two masses for combs at the 

 same time; but scarcely are some rows of cells con- 

 structed in the first, when two other masses, one on each 

 side of it, are established at equal distances from it, and 

 parallel to it, and then again two more exterior to these. 

 The combs are always enlarged and lengthened in a pro- 

 gression, proportioned to the priority of their origin, the 

 middle comb being constantly advanced beyond the two 

 adjoining ones by some rows of cells, and they beyond 

 those that are exterior to them. Was it permitted to 

 these insects to lay the foundation of all their combs at 

 the same time, they could not be placed conveniently or 

 parallel to the other. So with respect to the cells, the 

 first cavity determines the place of all that succeed it. 



" A large number of Bees work at the same time on' 

 the same comb; but they are not moved to it by a 

 simultaneous, but by a successive impulse. A single 

 Bee begins every partial operation, and many others in 



