294 FOREIGN BEES. 



agreeable as that of the others, and the colour the 

 same. Like the generality of the Melipona tribe, 

 some species deposit their honey not in combs, but 

 in small waxen vessels or cups, resembling, from the 

 description, those constructed by the humble bees of 

 Europe, and about half an inch in diameter. The 

 native Indians use it much as food, and after subjec- 

 ting it to the process of fermentation, procure from it 

 an intoxicating drink. The wax is of a deeper yellow, 

 and of a softer consistence than ours. It is never 

 whitened, but used in its rude state for lighting the 

 country churches. It is found in such abundance in 

 the woods that the inhabitants of St. Jago del Estexo 

 collect yearly in their neighbourhood not less than 

 14,000 Ibs. weight. 



It may be noticed here that the inhabitants of 

 Paraguay find a species of wax on the branches 

 of the Guabirami. This is a shrub two or three 

 feet high, which produces one of the finest fruits 

 in the country. The wax forms the nests of some 

 small insects, constructed on the branches of the 

 plant; and these tiny dwelling-places are in shape 

 and size like so many pearls, glued together in 

 strings or clusters. The substance itself is much 

 superior to the wax of any of the bees above de- 

 scribed as inhabiting the province, both in solidity 

 and whiteness. 



One other species is mentioned by Azara as 

 found in Paraguay and is probably identical with 

 ime found in Brazil which suspends its nest from 

 jhe branches of trees. It is about two feet in dia- 



