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 
