168 ZOOLOGY. 



plants a resinous matter called propolis. ;m<l with it they 

 also charge their little baskets. Thus leaded the bees return 

 to deposit in the interior of the hive the materials they have 

 collected, to set out again in quest of more. The labour in 

 the interior of the hive is more complex. They begin by 

 closing with the propolis every fissure iu the habitation, leav- 

 ing but one opening, of no great dimensions. They next pro- 

 ceed to the formation of the comb intended to lodge the young, 

 and to serve as store-cells for the provisions of the commu- 

 nity. The comb is made of wax, found in various plants, 

 but which is also secreted by the bees themselves in organs 

 situated under the abdominal rings. These combs, or rows, 

 are composed of two layers of hexagonal cells, with a pyra- 

 midal base, arid suspended perpendicularly by one of their 

 sides. Empty spaces are left between them, to permit of the 

 bees reaching every part. The cells are arranged horizontally, 

 and are open at one of their extremities ; they are all of 

 nearly the same dimensions, but some few are called royal, 

 being much larger than the others, almost cylindrical, and 

 are destined to contain the female larv;i-. 



Bees enclose with a covering of wax the cells containing the 

 honey, and they take means to strengthen the combs when 

 any accident threatens their safety. The males do not share 

 in these labours, and when they are no longer of any use to 

 the community, the working bees sting them to death. This 

 carnage takes place between June and August, and it extends 

 even to the larva and nymphse of the males. 



Fig. 113. Working Bee. Fi. 1 It. Hinder Foot and 



Leg of the Bee. 



The female does no work : she is always pampered and 

 attended to with the utmost eare l.y the rest of the hive. 



