130 FARINA. 



closest cohesion ; and is further prevented from con- 

 tributing to the multiplication of hybrid plants.* 



The collection of pollen by the bees is made in 

 greatest quantity in the earlier part of the day, before 

 the heat of the sun has dried up the moisture which 

 renders it more easily packed into the little masses 

 which adhere to their legs. After they are fully 

 loaded, they return to their hive, anoV deposit their 

 burden in cells in which there is neither honey nor 

 brood. The mode in which the Bee unloads itself, 

 has been already noticed. Planting her middle and 

 hind legs firmly on the edges of the cell, she sweeps 

 with her fore-legs the pellets from their baskets, and 

 thus drops them into the cell. Another worker in- 

 stantly inserts her head into this cell, and keeps it 

 there for a minute or two, evidently kneading the 

 farina, and probably mixing with it a portion of honey 

 disgorged from the honey-bag, as it presents a moist 

 appearance on her leaving it. Farina is probably 

 mixed with wax in constructing the combs when the 

 latter substance is scarce, especially in building the 

 royal cells, the outer surface of which appears to be 

 nearly altogether farina, and only the inner surface 

 of wax highly polished. But the principal use of 

 this substance, after undergoing, perhaps, a peculiar 

 elaboration, is to nourish the brood. This fact was 

 proved by an interesting experiment of Huber. He 

 furnished a hive, with combs containing brood, with 

 honey and water, but no farina, and confined the 

 bees so as to prevent them from seeking this last sub- 

 * Be van on the Honey- Bee. 



