a 
The Life of the Bee 
[55] 
“ There are only,” says Dr. Reid, “ three 
possible figures of the cells which can 
make them all equal and similar, without 
any useless interstices. These are the 
equilateral triangle, the square, and the 
regular hexagon. Mathematicians know 
that there is not a fourth way possible in 
which a plane shall be cut into little spaces 
that shall be equal, similar, and regular, 
without useless spaces. Of the three 
figures, the hexagon is the most proper 
for convenience and strength. Bees, as 
if they knew this, make their cells regular 
hexagons. 
“‘ Again, it has been demonstrated that, 
by making the bottoms of the cells to 
consist of three planes meeting in a point, 
there is a saving of material and labour in 
no way inconsiderable. The bees, as if 
acquainted with these principles of solid 
192 
