BEES. 67 



^^he birches, and the willows. It is a com- 

 plete production of nature, and requires no 

 additional manufacture from the animals by 

 which it is employed. After a bee has pro- 

 cured a quantity sufficient to fill the cavities 

 of its two hind legs, it repairs to the hive. 

 Two of its companions instantly draw out 

 the propolis, and apply it to fill up such 

 chinks, holes, or other deficiencies as they 

 find in their habitation. But this is not the 

 only use to which Bees apply the propolis. 

 They are extremely solicitous to remove such 

 insects or foreign bodies as happen to get 

 admission into the hive. When so light as 

 not to exceed their powers, they first kill the 

 insect with their stings, and then drag it out 

 with their teeth. But it sometimes happens 

 that an ill-fated snail creeps into the hive. 

 This is no sooner perceived than it is attacked 

 on all sides, and stung to death. But how 

 are the Bees to carry out so heavy a burthen ? 

 Such a labour would be in vain. To pre- 

 vent the noxious odours consequent on its 

 putrefaction, they immediately embalm it, 

 by covering every part of its body with pro- 

 polis, through which no effluvia can escape. 



