APPENDIX. 108 



as the case may be, and thus a block is formed or raised of 

 semi-lenticular shape, thick at the top, and tapering towards 

 the edges. When of sufficient size, a cell is sculptured on 

 one side of it by the wax-working bees, wl^<' relieve one 

 another in succession, sometimes to the number of twenty. 

 Before the cell is completely fashioned, at the back and on 

 each side of this first cell, two others are Sketched out and 

 excavated. By this proceeding the foundations of two cells 

 are laid, the line betwixt them corresporifiing with the centre 

 of the opposite cell. As the comb extends, the first excava- 

 tions are rendered deeper and broader; and when the pyra- 

 midal base is formed, the bees buildv'up walls from its edges, 

 so as to complete what may be called the prismatic part of 

 the cells. Every succeeding row of cells is formed by pre- 

 cisely similar steps, until there is sufficient scope for the 

 simultaneous employment of the whole cluster. " The bee," 

 says Richardson, " respires by means of spiracles or breath- 

 ing-holes, situated in the thorax, beneath and behind the 

 ■wings. Through these air is admitted into the thorax for 

 the purpose of oxygenizing the circulating system ; for 

 oxygen is no less essential to the well-being of the bee — 

 nay, to its very existence — than it is to that of man. 

 Will not this convince every reader of the necessity which 

 exists of duly ventilating the hive or bee-boxes ? -:— an 

 operation so much neglected, and yet so important a feature 

 in the proper and remunerative management of these 

 insects." 



