372 POLLEN. 



The bees may frequently be observed to roll their 

 bodies on the flower, and then, brushing off the 

 pollen which adheres to them, with their feet, 

 form it into two masses, which they dispose of in 

 the usual way. In very dry weather, when pro- 

 bably the particles of pollen cannot be made to 

 cohere, I have often seen them return home so 

 completely enveloped by it, as to give them the 

 appearance of a different species of bee. The 

 anther-dust, thus collected, is conveyed to the in- 

 terior of the hive, and there brushed off by the 

 collector or her companions. REAUMUR and others 

 have observed, that bees prefer the morning for 

 collecting this substance, most probably that the 

 dew may assist them in the moulding of their little 

 balls. " I have seen them abroad," says Reau- 

 mur, " gathering farina before it was light ;" they 

 continue thus occupied till about ten o'clock. 



" Brush'd from each anther's crown, the mealy gold, 

 With morning dew, the light fang'd artists mould, 

 Fill with the foodful load their hollow' d thigh, 

 And to their nurslings bear the rich supply." EVANS. 



This is their practice during the warmer months ; 

 but in April and May, and at the settlement of 

 a recent swarm, they carry pollen throughout the 

 day ; but even in these instances, the collection is 

 made in places most likely to furnish the requisite 

 moisture for moulding the pellets, namely, in shady 

 and sometimes in very distant places. 



