TIIK HIVE BEK. 



423 



but which we neglect because we are ignorant of their labours. 

 The Bee, however, furnishes two powerful and tangible argu- 

 ments in its favour — namely, honey and wax — and is sure, there- 

 fore, to enlist our sympathies in its behalf. 



Independently, however, of these claims to our notice, if the 

 Bee never made an ounce of honey — if the wax were as useless 

 to us as wasp-comb — if the insect were a mere stinging creature, 

 with a tetchy temper, it would still deserve our admiration, on 

 account of the wonderful manner in which it constructs its 

 social home, and the method by which that home is regulated. 



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The accompanying illustration shows the lower part of the 

 interior of a hive, which is supposed to be viewed through a 

 plate of glass set in the back. When the hive is in full opera- 

 tion, the combs are so crowded with Bees that their structure 



