PROPOLIS, 79 



this substance has not been turned to any serviceable 

 human use. 



In reviewing these various products gathered or 

 elaborated by bees, we cannot fail to be struck with 

 the marvellous adaptation of different materials to 

 the wants of the community, the skill displayed in 

 the application of them to the general purposes of 

 the commonwealth ; and, above all, the wondrous 

 suitability of means to ends, shown by the workers 

 of the hive. If we refuse to allow the possession 

 of reason to these extraordinary insects, we must 

 admit the existence in them of some faculty almost 

 more to be admired ; and, in any case, we can but 

 bow in reverence before the all-comprehensive Divine 

 wisdom and goodness, which have endowed creatures 

 so small with powers so surprising which have made 

 them subservient to human needs or comfort, and 

 which have enabled the bees to work even to better 

 advantage under the tutelage of man, than when left 

 to their natural habits and surroundings. 



