In working the cells, the wax is always found a little thicker ou the edges, thus giving additional strength to them. It has been asserted that this extra thickness is added upon the completion of the cells; but as we have never observed a coil, even though in a state of pro gress, without it, we think the more probable conjecture is, that the bees, in working the sides of the cells, desist upon arriving near the top, and thus leave that part thick, as it is found to be.
The ordinary cells of a comb are of two sizes ; those designed for the male lame being rather larger than those of the ordinary size in which the neuter lame are reared. Tho width of the former cells is about 31 lines, and that of the latter 21 A comb in always commenced with the small-sized cells. Hence, when the larger cells are con structed, instead of being opposed to three others they encroach upon a fourth, and their bases are consequently composed of four plates instead of three : at first a minute lozenge-shaped piece is visible at the top of the basal part (,pig. 16, a) ; this gradually increases in size as the one on the opposite side decreases (jig. 10, b).
When the full size of the cell is attained, the top and bottom pieces (fig. 16, c, r) are equal;drut as soon as a aufficient number of the larger cells is formed, the lower lozenge gradually decreases, while the upper one (fig. 16, e, e) increases in size until there are but three plates again visible (fig. 16, d, d).
It is almost always found that the excavations for cells, formed by different insects, in whatever situations they may be, are exactly pro portioned to their size. Hence it is extremely difficult to account for the enlargement of the cells of the bees, as just described. We will however venture an opinion, in hopes of calling attention to the subject.
In the former part of this account it has been stated that no sooner is a portion of the comb finished than the queen deposits eggs in the various cells, and that the cells first formed are always those of the smaller size, which are excavated by what are termed the sculpturcr bees, or nurses, which are less than the wax-workers.
We imagine that when the eggs hatch, the small bees, or nurses, are more particularly engaged in attending upon the young ; and that the large-sized workers then commence the excavation of the cells themselves, and thus make cells of a larger diameter than those made by the nurses.
Huber atates that the description of bees called wax-workers have not the power of sculpturing the cells; but at the same time ho owns that he was unable to follow the proceedings in the construction of a comb for any considerable time after the commencement. During the
time of his observations, however, he invariably found that the smaller bees were the aculpturors.
The interior of a hive consists of a number of combs arranged per pendicularly; these are fixed to the roof of the hive, and are parallel to each other, the space between them being about half an inch. When the first comb has advanced in size, so as to consist of two or three rows of cells, two other combs are commenced, one on each side of it, the work proceeding as in the first ; these again are followed in their turn by two others. As the comb advances in size it assumes a form nearly circular, and is still joined to the roof of the hive only ; the work proceeds by adding wax to the margin of the comb exactly at the junction of the opposing cells, and this is no sooner deposited than it is cut away and worked into cells. These cells are not equally deep throughout the comb, but their.depth gradually decreases as they approach the margin : a comb in its progress has the form of a double convex lens.
The form of the comb, as above described, is that of a new one ; but in the honey-storing season the sides of the comb arc joined to three of the hive, to give strength to hold the additional weight ; the cells are also lengthened, so that the surface of the comb then becomes even. The cells are not quite horizontal, the orifice being generally a little higher than the base, most commonly four or five degrees, but sometimes considerably more. When a comb is first completed, it is of a dull white colour and of a weak substance ; it is however soon strengthened by adding propolis to the margin of the cells, and lining their interior with threads of the same material.
The cells of a comb are used for the purposes of storing up honey for the winter, and in them the !arm are reared. Pollen, or bee-bread, is also stored up in some of the cells. Many larvae may be reared in the same cell, and as each spins a cocoon or web on its sides which is never cleared out, it thus becomes at last too contracted to contain larvae ; It is then used for one or both of the other purposes above mentioned. When a hive is well stored with combs having empty cella, the workers disgorge the honey into these receptacles ; but In case cells are wanted they retain the honey, and wax is secreted for the purpose-of building more combs.