WAX, AND BEE ARCHITECTURE. 



179 



ing of the rim exists in cells at all stages of their 

 progress, since the scraped-off wax is continually 

 added to the edge of the work. As this is reduced, 

 by being drawn out for lengthening the cell wall, it 

 is augmented by new supplies from the wax pockets 

 of the workers. The constancy of these thickenings 

 is essential to impart strength, permitting the clamber- 

 ing throng to support themselves without fear of 

 breaking their own structure, which has its tenacity, 

 when completed, increased by being varnished with a 

 resinous body, called propolis, but whose qualities do 

 not yet come before us. 



Jkh. 



Fig. 40.— Details of Drone Cell (Magnified Twice). 



A, Capping of Drone Cell, seen by Transmitted Light. B, Capping of Drone 

 Cell, seen by Reflected Light. C, Side View of Drone-Cell Capping (Section)— 

 a, Sealing Pervious to Air ; 6, Wax Struts. 



The strain which the fragile-looking cells will bear 

 is extremely remarkable. One pound of wax, built into 

 35,000 cells, as before stated, will store 22lb. weight of 

 honey; from which it follows, that the wax of a cell at 

 the top of a comb, fully filled, and ift. deep, supports 

 22 x 60 == 1320 times its own weight. The special 

 manner in which the top cells are strengthened will be 

 most usefully considered under the head " Foundation," 

 in our Practical Section. But drone cells are less rigid 



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