17(3 TENANTS OF AN OLD FARM. 



able protection against the rain." (See Fig. 53, 

 chap, ix.) 



" Where do the bees get this wax ?" asked Joe. 



"A proper question, certain!}- ; I wonder it has not 

 been asked before. The bee secretes the wax from its 

 own bod}'. On the under side of the abdomen are six 

 Uttle flaps, not unlike pockets, the covers of which can 

 be easily raised witli a pin. Under these flaps is secreted 

 the wax, which is produced in tiny scales or plates, and 

 may be seen projecting from the flaps like little half- 

 moon-shaped white lines. A scale of wax is drawn out 

 from the abdominal ring by pincers fixed at the joint 

 of one of the hind pair of legs, and is carried to the 

 mouth. It is there worked up by the mandibles and 

 tongue, and undergoes some important change. "When 

 secreting the wax the wax-workei's of the honey-bees, 

 at least, have a curious habit of hanging in a chain-like 

 cluster, holding fast one another's legs. This is called 

 a curtain. 



Plenty of food, quiet and warmth are necessary for 

 the production of wax, and as it is secreted very 

 slowly, it is extremely valualjle and used with great 

 economy. How wax is formed within the body of the 

 bee I cannot explain any more than I can toll how tlie 

 liquid silk is produced within the spider's silk glands. 

 The Author of Nature has endowed these creatures 

 with such gifts and the power to use them — I go no 

 further. V>\\i it is a wonderful substance ; soft enough, 

 when warm, to be kneaded and spread like mortar, 

 and hard enoujrh when cool to bear the weight of brood 



