Insecta. 27 



to the outside of the large segments of the hind legs. Where 

 and how do they unload? What are they carrying? Why do 

 they bring this substance ? In the latter part of the season bees 

 sometimes carry propolis, a sort of glue, in the manner above sug- 

 gested. This latter substance is used to seal cracks and crevices. 

 Observe that some of the bees on the comb move about from cell 

 to cell, putting their heads into the cells where there are larvae. 

 What is the work of these bees? Are they young or old bees? 

 What is pollen? What is nectar? How does honey differ from 

 nectar? What is beeswax? Is it gathered by the bees, or do 

 they make it? What difference in color between new honeycomb 

 and the brood comb you have just been studying? Why this 

 difference in color? 



STUDY OF THE STRUCTURE OF HONEYCOMB. 



Obtain two pieces of empty honeycomb, one with cells the 

 same size as those in the brood comb in the hive, and the other 

 with cells somewhat larger. Note the shape of the cells. What 

 geometrical figure is represented by a cross section of a cell? 

 Why not have round or square cells instead of this form ? Lay a 

 foot rule upon a row of cells across the face of one of the pieces 

 of comb. How many cells in one inch ? Make several measure- 

 ments to obtain an average number. The average diameter of the 

 cells may be expressed by what common fraction? Repeat with 

 the other piece of comb and compare results. For what especial 

 purpose do the bees use each kind? Do they ever use both for 

 the same purpose? Draw a face view of each kind of comb, being 

 careful to show correctly the relation of each cell to the cells 

 adjoining it. Cut a piece of comb so as to show a freshly exposed 

 edge. Note the shape of the bottom of the cell and the relation 

 of those on one side of the comb to those on the other. Draw an 

 edge view of a piece of comb, using care to show this relation. 

 Note the number of parts in the bottom of each cell. Shape of 

 each part. Make a pinhole in each part of the bottom of a cell. 

 Turn the comb over and find how many cells have holes in the 



