The Life of the Bee 
wise explains the existence of the pris: 
matic base of the cells. But above all 
we might answer that there are more 
ways than one of dealing with rigid neces- 
sity ; that the wasp, the humble-bee, the 
trigone and melipone of Mexico and 
Brazil achieve very different and mani- 
festly inferior results, although the cir- 
cumstances, and their own intentions, are 
absolutely identical with those of the 
bees. It might further be urged that if 
the bee’s cell does indeed follow the law 
that governs crystals, snow, soap-bubbles, 
as well as Buffon’s boiled peas, it also, 
through its general symmetry, disposition 
in opposite layers, and angle of inclina- 
tion, obeys many other laws that are not 
to be found in matter. May we not say, 
too, of man that all his genius is com- 
prised in his fashion of handling kindred 
necessities? And if it appear to us that 
his manner of treating these is the best 
199 
