SUMMER MANAGEMENT. 179 
all equal and similar without interstices. But cells of 
these figures would have either consumed more 
material, or have been weaker; and they would also 
have consumed more space, being less adapted to 
the form of the bee. In short, the hexagonal form 
combines all the requisites of economy and capacity. 
Another wonderful arrangement is seen in the 
construction of the bottoms of the cells. Each of 
these is composed of three rhombs, or plates of wax 
in the shape of card-diamonds, disposed in such a 
manner as to form a hollow pyramid, the apex of 
which forms the angles of the bases of three cells 
on the opposite side, giving to each of them one of 
the three diamond-shaped plates required to form 
their bases. The three rhombs, composing each 
cell-bottom, have the two obtuse angles each of 110 
degrees, and, consequently, each of the two acute 
angles of 70 degrees.’ So far Réaumur. 
“The cells of the bee are extremely delicate, two 
or three plates or sides being of the consistence 
only of a common leaf of paper. They are made 
strong, however, by mutual support and_ other 
means, besides a sort of froth which the insect 
mixes with the wax. The cells, at first of a dull 
white, soon appear yellow on the interior, the 
change arising from the plastering over them of a 
compound varnish of wax and propolis. Hach cell 
is soldered, too, at its mouth, by a similar compound 
of a reddish colour, having in it more propolis; aud 
threads of the same substance are laid around the 
walls, to bind and strengthen them. 
“Tt is now to be observed that all cells are not 
n 2 
