DISPOSAL OF HONEY. 225 



and thus laden without, and doubtless lined within, by a full 

 measure of the nectared juices, " sucked from buds and bells," 

 she takes wing, and makes so light of all her lading, that 

 straight as an arrow from a bow (and eke as swiftly) she cuts 

 the air, even in the wind's eye, in the exact direction of her 

 straw-built home. 



Our bee, as before noticed, was the bearer of a double load 

 pollen or dust of anthers in her thigh baskets, nectar in her 

 internal honey-bag ; but neither of these floral treasures have 

 been collected for herself. 



Fulfilling, in the first place, her duty of loyalty, she offers, 

 as a tribute to her queen, a portion of her honey, pure as at 

 the moment of swallowing, an operation merely of transfer 

 from the nectary of the flowers to her own honey-bag, or first 

 stomach. 



The remainder, all at least except that trifling portion re- 

 quired for her own support, she then deposits within one of the 

 store cells of which the contents are appropriated to the supply 

 of the community ; or instead of this, on finding a group of 

 labourers employed in building, to some of them she kindly 

 gives a draught of sweet refreshment. 



Her honey thus disposed of what does she do with her 

 pollen, the golden lading of her triangular thigh baskets? 

 This pollen or farina of flowers after undergoing a certain 

 process, of which swallowing forms a part becomes what is 

 called bee-bread, and constitutes, as such, one of the strongest 

 supports of bee existence, especially before arrived at maturity. 

 After being swallowed, it may perhaps be imparted at once 

 to some of the infant occupants of the nursery cells; or, if 

 more is collected than immediate need requires, this, as well 

 as honey, is laid up in store, being diluted and packed for 

 future use. 



We have seen how our busy gatherer has brought home her 

 quota of pollen or bee-bread, and honey or bee-wine ; but has ' 

 she contributed to the general magazine her share of wax, 



