Hi all
Over the last 10 or more years, I have written extensively on the cells of bees, their natural size and the use of comb foundation. The natural hive folks insist upon the notion that there are five cells to the inch (1=5 mm), based on early records. 

I have long felt that this is a "ballpark figure" and not a careful measurement. What is needed is a record of the size of cells prior to the introduction of foundation that is made with a higher degree of accuracy. I have found such:

"Latreille found that 76 millimeters comprised 14 cells, when measured in one direction and 14.5 in another"  -- "Notes on the cells of the bee"  By Jeffries Wyman MD, Harvard College. 1866.

--  this works out to 5.2 to 5.4 mm per cell.

PLB

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