The Wasp. 
579 
the smallest possible space ; and it has been found, by 
mathematical calculation, that if it were desired to con- 
struct a series of cavities of a given size within the 
smallest possible space and with the smallest possible 
amount of materials, we should have to adopt precisely 
the same plan, even to the forms of the sides of the cells 
and the angles at which they are attached to each other, 
that has been instinctively adopted by the little Bee. 
At the entrance of every cell the Bee architect places a 
flange of wax, which fortifies the aperture, and prevents 
the injuries it might receive from the frequent ingress 
and egress of the Bees. 
Bees produce honey, which they lay up for winter 
consumption ; wax, of which they form their cells ; and 
a substance called bee-bread, which they extract chiefly 
from the pollen of flowers, and which they use for feed- 
ing their young. 
Above are given representations of, first, the Queen 
Bee, placed on the left-hand side ; second, the Drone ; 
and, third, the Working Bee. 
THE WASP, (Vespa vulgaris,) 
Is a very fierce, dangerous, and rapacious insect ; it is 
much larger than the bee, and furnished with a powerful 
sting. The abdomen is striped with yellow and black. 
