WAX PRODUCED BY THE WORKERS. 75 



ening of the partition walls of the cells, and also by 

 the cocoons left by each emerging young bee. 



The bees that remain inactive, forming these clus- 

 ters, are mainly wax producers, and are thus con- 

 stantly at hand with a supply of mortar ready for the 

 use of the builders, who by means of relays con- 

 tinue their labors day and night during the time of 

 their harvests. But when this is ended, and no far- 

 ther accumulations of stores can be expected, no 

 more garners are built. 



It is probable that the wax producers continue 

 their emissions for some time, and then die. Or it 

 may be they produce wax at different periods ; yet 

 they are certainly short-lived. (This subject will be 

 farther investigated at some future time.) This 

 class of bees are non-resistant, and never volunteer 

 an attack. 



The nurses attend to the wants of the young from 

 the egg until they emerge from the comb, protecting 

 the brood with great constancy. They are also the 

 water carriers and guards. 



Their care and attention to the wants of the queen 

 are of the most devoted kind. Sometimes when 

 swarming she falls to the ground near the hive, when 

 she is soon surrounded with her faithful attendants, 

 who remain till death parts them. 



Their ability to determine the course and locality 

 of their hives, after passing from flower to flower in 

 all directions, and for a long time, is truly won- 

 derful. On the approach of a storm, they take the 



