Curiosities & wonders > New observations on the natural history of bees

362 AltCHITECTtfllE OE BEES.
natural activity. They dispersed themselves
throughout the hive, to feed the young lar-
\se, to clear out their lodgment, and adapt
it for their convenience. Certainly the combs,
which were roughly cut to fit the bottom of
the box, and in some parts damaged, appeared
to them shapeless and misplaeed; for they
speedily commenced their reparation. They
beat down the old wax, kneaded it between
their teeth, and formed binding to consolidate
them. We were astonished beyond expres¬
sion by such a multitude of workers employed
at once in labours to which it did not appear
they should have been called, at their coin¬
cidence, their zeal, and prudence.
But it was still more wonderful, that
about half the numerous population took no
part in the proceedings, remaining motion¬
less, while the others fulfilled the func¬
tions required. The wax workers, in a state
of absolute repose, recalled our former ob¬
servations. Gorged with the honey we had
put within their reach, and continuing in
this condition during twenty-four hours,
they had secreted that substance so long be¬
lieved to be collected from the antherae of
flowers. The wax, formed under their rings,
was now ready to be put in operation; and,