In a message dated 21/12/2004 05:11:22 GMT Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> Comb building was extensively studied by Huber who reported in his letters
> in 1792 that the 'diameter' of worker cells was 2 and  2/5ths 'lines' (12
> lines to one inch). Drone cells were 3 and 1/3rd lines.  [Quoted from Huber
> Natural History of the Honeybees English edition 1841]. I do not know how
> the diameter of a hexagonal cell compares with the distance across the
> flats,  which is what we mean when we say small cells are 4.9mm.
>

However, be aware that the inch was not a standard measure throughtout
Europe; each locality having its own version.

Chris

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and  other info ---
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::