Darwin writes to Innes to tell him of the arrival of the wasps' nest. Also writes about how he believes that the queen wasp builds a hexagonal cell, b Show moreDarwin writes to Innes to tell him of the arrival of the wasps' nest. Also writes about how he believes that the queen wasp builds a hexagonal cell, by straightening walls between several cells. Darwin goes further to say that the queen bee builds these at the same time. Transcription: "Sept. 22? Down My dear Innes The wasps' nest has arrived safe, except part of the outer walls, + was wonderfully well packed. The cells are not [filter entire line] [], as I expected to see them; as the outer walls, when not in contact with any other cell are [] [] or curved; + the [] or [] of the cells are also perfect. If a queen wish [] to move a single cell in to shape of a hexagon, the [] w? have been can [] one in my eyes. I believe that she builds up several cells at the same time + makes straight walls between the adjoining cells; + these intersecting [] between [tunneling?] [] produces the hexagon. - But the [] has gone out of my head, + I cannot harm them to force it into my old worn-out brains. Very-many thanks for your most kind letter [] yours sincerely Ch. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England. The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [13349]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/5f9b96816a81e1f3245e2250cb8ac1ca.jpg?itok=kag5ur91&pid=ksl:ditalldar00025&iic=true)