500 HABITATIONS OF INSECTS. 



vary, and they correspond with four instead of three op- 

 posite cells. — The works of bees are symmetrical less 

 perhaps in minute details than considered as a whole. 

 Sometimes, indeed, their combs have a fantastic form ; 

 but this, if traced, will be found to be caused by cir- 

 cumstances : one irregularity occasions another, and 

 both usually have their origin in the dispositions which 

 we make them adopt. The inconstancy of climate, too, 

 occasions frequent interruptions, and injures the sym- 

 metry of the combs ; for a work resumed is always less 

 perfect than one followed up until completed. 



At first the substance of the cells is of a dead white, 

 semitransparent, soft, and though even, not smooth : 

 but in a few days it loses most of these qualities, or 

 rather acquires new ones ; a yellow tint spreads over the 

 cells, particularly their interior surface : their edges be- 

 come thicker, and they have acquired a consistence, 

 which at first they did not possess. The combs also 

 when finished are heavier than the unfinished ones : these 

 last are broken by the slightest touch, whereas the former 

 will bend sooner than break. Their orifices also have 

 something adhesive, and they melt less readily ; whence 

 it is evident that the finished combs contain something 

 not present in the unfinished ones. In examining the 

 orifice of the yellow cells, their contour appeared to the 

 younger Huber to be besmeared with a reddish varnish, 

 unctuous, strong-scented, and similar to, if not the same 

 as, propolis. Sometimes there were red threads in the 

 interior, which were also applied round the sides, rhombs, 

 or trapeziums. This solder, as it may be called) placed 

 at the point of contact of the different parts, and at the 



