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problem ! Let it be required to find what shape a given 

 quantity of matter must talce, in order to have ilie greatest 

 capacity, and the greatest strength, requiring at the same 

 time, the least space, and the least labor in its construction. 

 This problem has been solved by the most refined processes , 

 of the higher mathematics, and the result is the hexagonal 

 or six-sided cell of the honey bee, with its three four-sided 

 figures at the base ! 



The shape of these figures cannot be altered, ever so 

 little, except for the worse. Besides possessing the desira- 

 ble qualities already described, they answer as nurseries for 

 the rearing of the young, and as small air-tight vessels in 

 which the honey is preserved from souring or candying. 

 Every prudent housewife who puts up her preserves in 

 tumblers, or small glass jars, and carefully pastes them 

 over, to keep out the air, will understand the value of such 

 an arrangement. 



" There are only three possible figures of the cells," 

 says Dr. Reid, " which can make them all equal and simi- 

 lar, without any useless spaces between them. These are 

 the equilateral triangle, the square and the regular hexagon. 

 It is well known to mathematicians that there is not a fourth 

 way possible, in which a plane may be cut into little spaces 

 that shall be equal, similar and regular, without leaving any 

 interstices." 



An equilateral triangle would have made an uncomforta- 

 ble tenement for an insect with a round body ; and a square 

 would not have been much better. At first sight a circle 

 would seem to be the best shape for the development of the 

 larvse : but such a figure would have caused a needless 

 sacrifice of space, materials and strength ; while the honey 

 which now adheres so admirably to the many angles or cor- 

 ners of the six-sided cell, would have been much more 



