332 miner's AMERICAN 



ever found the union of opposite cells, to be formed in 

 the centre of the base of every cell thus examined ! 



It is said, that the hexagonal shape of cells, is not in 

 consequence of any pre-determined action of the bees, 

 so to form them; but the result of the mechanical laws 

 governing the natural pressure of bodies of united sphe- 

 rical tubes, in a pliable and soft condition, before be- 

 coming hardened by an exposure to the atmosphere, and 

 that the original form and shape of cells is cylindrical. 

 I must put in my veto to this assumption. I have 

 shaken bees out of hives while in the very act of comb- 

 building ; and have had a fair opportunity to examine 

 combs, while yet warm from the internal heat generated 

 by the bees, and I have always found them of the regular 

 hexagonal shape. 



The first built, are brood-combs, in order to give an 

 immediate opportunity to increase the family. Small 

 families begin at the side, and strong ones in the centre 

 of the hive. Sometimes a strong swarm will commence 

 on both sides at the same time ; and it is not unfre- 

 quent, that while a portion of the bees are building 

 from front to rear, another portion will be constructing 

 combs transversely, on the opposite side of the hive, 

 and do not discover their mistake till they meet the 

 other combs, when a right angle is at once formed. This 

 accounts for so much irregularity in comb-building, and 

 it is a strong reason for the use of the guide-plate before 

 spoken of, or of inserting guide-combs on both sides, or 

 in the middle of the hive for very strong swarms, as 



