The Life of the Bee 
[so] ° 
Were it our desire to throw light upon 
all the secrets of this geometric architect- 
ure, we should have more than one curi- 
ous question still to consider; as for 
instance the shape of the first cells, 
which, being attached to the roof, are 
modified in such a manner as to touch 
the roof at the greatest possible number 
of points. 
The design of the principal thorough- 
fares is determined by the parallelism of 
the combs; but we must admire the in- 
genious construction of alleys and gang- 
ways through and around the comb, so 
skilfully contrived as to provide short cuts 
in every direction and prevent conges- 
tion of traffic, while ensuring free circula- 
tion of air. And finally we should have 
to study the construction of transition 
cells, wherein we see a unanimous instinct 
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