330 miner's AMERICAN 



be of greater capacity, or take less material in the construc- 

 tion. There are but three ways in which cells can be 

 built, and have the sides of all equal, viz : square, trian- 

 gular and hexagonal; s, fourth -wa-j is utterly impossible. 

 The hexagonal form is superior to either of the other 

 modes, in strength, capacity, and a saving of materials 

 in building ; and this form, the bee has chosen ! The 

 hee, did I say ? No : there is a greater Architect than 

 the bee, who has had the guidance and the direction in 

 this matter. 



The above cut represents a few rows of cells as they 

 appear when constructed. These cells are not built 

 horizontally, but on an angle. Here, again, is the most 

 astonishing wisdom displayed. A celebrated philosopher 

 and mathematician being asked of what form a series of 

 vessels united, should be constructed, in order to be of 

 the greatest possible capacity, and take the least possible 

 material to construct them ; after a full investigation, he 

 answered ; the shape, hexagonal, and on an inclination 

 of some 28°, (I think,) with the plane of the horizon I 

 The cells of the honey-bee incHne from 15 to 28°; that 

 is, the mouths of cells are so much higher than the bases. 

 This inclination is not wholly for the purpose of saving 

 material, but also for the purpose of retaining the honey 



