HISTORY OF INSECTS. 33 



that they are thus designedly exposed to the 

 attacks of other queens, and their destruction, 

 before emerging, facilitated. 



97. When tlie chrysalis of the queen is about 

 to change to a perfect insect, the bees make the 

 cover of the cell thinner by gnawing away part 

 of the wax ; and with so much nicety do they 

 perform this operation, that the cover at last 

 becomes pellucid, owing to its extreme thinness. 



98. The combs of a bee-hive comprise a con- 

 geries of hexagonal cells, built by the bees as a 

 receptacle for honey, and for the nurseries of their 

 young : each comb in a hive is composed of two 

 ranges of cells, backed against each other : the 

 base or partition between this double row of cells 

 is so disposed as to form a pyramidical cavity at 

 the bottom of each. 



99. There is a continued series of these double 

 combs in every well-filled hive ; the spaces be- 

 tween them being just sufficient to allow two bees, 

 one on the surface of each comb, to pass without 

 touching. 



100. Each cell is hexagonal, the six sides being 

 perfectly equal. This figure ensures the greatest 

 possible economy of material and space ; the 

 outer edges of the cells are slightly thickened, in 

 order to gain strength ; the same part is also 

 covered with a beautiful varnish, which is sup- 

 posed to give additional strength. 



101. The construction of several combs is 



