126 WAX. 



to afford an alighting place, should be provided. The 

 middle should contain a float, or a handful of shavings, 

 spread in the water with a few small stones laid ou 

 them to prevent their being blown away when the 

 water is out, is very ojnvenient. A tin dish an inch 

 or so in depth, will do very well. The quantity need- ' 

 ed may be ascertained by what is used — only give them ' 

 enough, and change it daily. I have no trouble of ^ 

 this kind, as there is a stream of water within a few 

 rods of the hives ; but I have an opportunity to wit- 

 ness something of the number engaged in carrying it,_; 

 Thousands may be seen (in June and August) filling^ 

 their sacks, while a continual stream is on the wing, ; 

 going and returning. 



The exact and uniform size of their cells is perhaps 

 as great a mystery as anything pertaining to them ; 

 yet, we find the second wonder before we are done 

 with the first. In building comb, they have nosquare 

 or compass as a guide ; no master mechanic takes the 

 lead, measuring and marking for the workmen ; each 

 individual among them is a finished mechanic ! No 

 time is lost as an apprentice, no service given in re- 

 turn for instruction ! Each is accomplished from birth I 

 All are alike ; what one begins, a dozen may help to 

 finish ! A specimen of their work shows itself to be,^ 

 from the hands of •master workmen, and may be taken 

 as a model of perfection ! He, who arranged the uni- 

 verse, was their instructor. Yes, a profound geometri- 

 cian planned the first cell, and knowing what would 



