124 WAX. 



in the productions of nature. It is found on the 

 upper surface of the leaves of many trees in the form 

 of a varnish, possessing all the properties of bees- wax. 

 The wax-bearing myrtle, (Myrica Cerifera,) a shrub 

 which grows abundantly in Louisiana and other parts 

 of North America, bears a small berry, of which wax 

 forms the outer coating, and which, when exposed to 

 flame, burns with an agreeable aromatic odour. Dr. 

 Darwin supposes that the design of the waxy varnish 

 which covers the flowers is " to glaze over the fecun- 

 dating dust of the anthers, and prevent its premature 

 explosion from excessive moisture," and ascribes to an 

 unseasonable diffusion of the anther dust, the failure of 

 orchard and corn crops in summers of extreme humidity. 

 The quantity of wax found in this form is small 

 compared with that which is produced by the honey- 

 bee, and also of inferior quality. When pure, it is 

 of a whitish colour, destitute of taste, and with scarcely 

 any smell; it grows brown and even blackish with age. 

 After manipulation it has an aromatic smell, which, 

 however, disappears on exposure to the atmosphere. 

 The dust of flowers, called pollen or farina, was long 

 supposed to be the element of wax; and it is a curious 

 instance of the tardy progress of the knowledge of 

 natural history, that, though the mode in which wax 

 is produced by the bees was ascertained beyond all 

 doubt by Huber, 40 years ago, the fact is yet little 

 known,, and scarcely believed ; and farina has, with 



fluidity. And that by such treatment, the honey-dew may 

 be entirely prevented, I have often myself witnessed in my 

 own garden," &c. 



