HABITATIONS OF INSECTS. 495 



heightened in an order analogous to that which the in- 

 sects follow in finishing the bottoms of the cells ; and the 

 length of these tubes is so perfectly proportioned that 

 there is no observable inequality between them. — It is 

 to be remarked, that though the general form of the 

 cells is hexagonal, that of those first begun is petita- 

 gonal, the side next the top of the hive, and by which 

 the comb is attached, being much broader than the rest ; 

 whence the comb is more strongly united to the hive 

 than if these cells were of the ordinary shape. It of 

 course follows that the base of these cells, instead of 

 being formed like those of the hexagonal cells of three 

 rhomboids, consists of one rhomboid and two trape- 

 ziums. 



The form of a new comb is lenticular, its thickness 

 always diminishing towards the edges. This gradation 

 is constantly observable while it keeps enlarging in cir- 

 cumference ; but as soon as the bees get sufficient space 

 to lengthen it, it begins to lose this form and to assume 

 parallel surfaces : it has then received the shape which it 

 will always preserve. 



The bees appear to give the proper forms to the bot- 

 toms of the cells by means of their antennas, which ex- 

 traordinary organs they seem to employ as directors by 

 which their other instruments are instructed to execute 

 a very complex work. They do not remove a single 

 particle of wax until the antenna? have explored the sur- 

 face that is to be sculptured. By the use of these or- 

 gans, which are so flexible and so readily applied to all 

 parts, however delicate, that they can perform the func- 

 tions of compasses in measuring very minute objects, 



