Hi Chris & all

> I don't follow this.  If, experimentally, a locality (village bees) were
to
> be kept on combs drawn without foundation, say in top bar hives, for a
number
> of bee generations is it not likely that natural selection would produce
> natural sized bees in natural sized combs for that locality?

Only to a certain extent... I see bee size an a number of incremental,
quantum like, states that require an impetus to shift from one to another.

In the absence of pressure for change the bees soldier on with what body
size they find themselves in.

In other words to return the bee size to the original status quo will
require some deliberate regression.

> With regard to your comment on the attractiveness of Marla Spivak, perhaps
> you should remember that as a great grandfather you should no longer
notice
> such attributes,

Hush Chris, BEE-L has standards for content! :-)

It is true, I have been a great grand dad for two years now, and am soon to
be doubly blessed with great grandchildren.

Best Regards & 73s... Dave Cushman, G8MZY
Beekeeping & Bee Breeding Website...
http://website.lineone.net/~dave.cushman