176 
IVAX AND COMB CONSTRUCTION, 
distances. In every case where the excavation was 
isolated it was hemispherical, and the wax excavated was 
added at the margin, so as to constitute a cylindrical cell. 
As other excavations were made in contact with those 
previously formed, the cells became flat-sided, but from 
the irregularity of their arrangement not necessarily 
hexagonal.’ 
The actual manner in which the bees form the cells 
has been closely observed by Dr. K. Miillenhoff (112, 
1 13), who has shown that mutual interference forms 
the hexagons, as all circles coming in contact with 
each other naturally assume this form. He alludes to 
the Buffon experiment with bottled peas, swollen into 
hexagonal form by mutual pressure, and also shows 
that the cells behave mutually like soap bubbles, 
which when isolated are round ; but if touching each 
other, where united the him forms a perfectly flat 
wall. If there are many, those in the centre will be 
hexagonal, whilst those on the outside will have their 
free sides curved. Waterhouse (167) also called atten- 
tion to this, and it can be seen by any observant 
bee keeper, although still denied by some. The 
rhombs are formed in the same way, by two layers 
pressing in opposite directions. 
It has been shown that the complexity and appa- 
rent accuracy of the structure is not in the least owing 
to the development of a mathematical instinct in bees, 
or artistic dexterity, but simply to physical laws de- 
pendent on their method of work, or as Mullenhoff 
puts it, to ‘ statical pressure according to the laws of 
equilibrium.’ 
