136 INSECT ARC141TKCTUKE. 



in size is effected. When the cells of males are to be 

 fabricated under those of workers, the bees make 

 several rows of intermediate cells, whose diameter 

 augments progressively, until gaining that propor- 

 tion proper to the cells required ; and, in returning 

 to those of workers, a lowering is observed in a 

 manner corresponding. 



" Bees, irj preparing the cells of males, previously 

 establish a block or lump of wax on the edge of their 

 comb, thicker than is usually employed for those of 

 workers. It is also made higher, otherwise the same 

 order and symmetry could not be preserved on a 

 larger scale. 



" Several naturalists notice the irregularities in the 

 cells of bees as so many defects. What would have 

 been their astonishment had they observed that part of 

 them are the result of calculation? Had they followed 

 the imperfection of their organs, some other means 

 of compensating them would have been granted to the 

 insects. It is much more surprising that they know 

 how to quit the ordinary route, when circumstances 

 demand the construction ol enlarged cells; and, after 

 building thirty or forty rows of them, to return to the 

 proper proportions from which they have departed, by 

 successive reductions. Bees also augment the dimen- 

 sions of their cells when there is an opportunity for 

 a great collection of honey. Not only are they then 

 constructed of a diameter much exceeding that of the 

 common cells, but they are elongated throughout the 

 whole space admitting it. A great portion of irre- 

 gular comb contains cells an inch, or even an inch 

 and a half, in depth. 



" Bees, on the contrary, sometimes are induced 

 to shorten their cells. When wishing to prolong an 

 old comb, whose cells have received their full dimen- 

 sions, they gradually reduce the thickness of its edges, 

 by gnawing down the sides of the cells, until they 



