VARNISH. 221 



under little plates or flaps upon the abdomen, while the 

 propolis is purely a vegetable exudation. It is obtained from 

 many trees, the principal being the horse chestnut. All who 

 have handled the buds of this tree are aware that they are 

 covered with a viscous and very adhesive matter, which serves 

 as a varnish or protection to the bud before the leaves are 

 strong enough to break out. This is the material which the 

 bees gather for their propolis, and at certain times of the year 

 the chestnuts may be seen swarming with bees, all busily 

 engaged in scraping off the varnish. 



