2i2 THE LORE OF THE HONEY-BEE 
We are told that the cells are always begun in a 
circular form, but that they afterwards assume the 
hexagon shape quite automatically, in obedience 
to the laws of mutual interference and pressure. 
As a proof of this, it is pointed out that the outside 
cells of the comb, not being subject to these laws, 
are usually more or less rounded., 
The pressure-theory is hardly worth serious con- 
sideration, as it is obvious that the growth of a 
honey-comb is perfectly free and untrammelled in 
every way. If the bee makes her comb-cells with 
six sides and a pyramidal base unthinkingly, and 
under the yoke of imperious obligation, it is cer- 
tainly not because the cells force this shape upon 
one another, like Buffon’s peas in a bottle. 
And if we believe that the bee works blindly 
under the law of mutual interference, any close 
examination of the results of her work must bring 
us to the conviction that we are only putting aside 
one marvel for something more wonderful still. 
For then we see a natural law taking on a very 
unnatural quality—that of intelligent adaptation to 
circumstances. The comb, intended for use in the 
hive-nursery, is made in two sizes. That used for 
cradling the worker-brood has cells measuring + inch 
across, and a fraction less than 4 inch deep, while 
that designed for raising the drone-larve is built 
up of cells having a diameter of + inch, and a 
depth of about % inch. These different-sized 
cells are not mingled indiscriminately over the 
