PROPOLIS. 77 



second, by which it is lodged in the hollow of the third." 

 I have seen them thus remove the warm propolis from 

 old bottom-boards standing in the sun. 



Propolis is frequently gathered from the alder, horse- 

 chestnut, birch, and willow ; and as some think, from 

 pines and other trees of the fir kind. Bees will often 

 enter varnishing shops, attracted evidently by their smell ; 

 and in the vicinity of Matamoras, Mexico, where propolis 

 seems to be scarce, I saw them using green paint from win- 

 do w-bUnds, and pitch from the rigging of a vessel. Bevan 

 mentions the fact of their carrying off a composition of 

 wax and turpentine from trees to which it had been applied. 

 Dr. Evans says he has seen them collect the balsamic 

 varnish which coats the young blossom-buds of the holly- 

 hock, and has known them rest at least ten minutes on 

 the same bud, moulding the balsam with their fore feet, 

 and transferring it to the hinder legs, as described by 

 Huber. 



" With merry hura the Willow's copse they scale, 

 The Fir's dark pyramid, or Poplar pale ; 

 Scoop from the Alder's leaf its oozy flood, 

 Or strip the Chestnut's resin-coated bud ; 

 Skim the light tear that tips Narcissus' ray, 

 Or round the Hollyhock's hoar fragrance play ; 

 Then waft their nut-brown loads exulting home, 

 That form a fret-work for the future comb ; 

 Caulk every chink where rushing winds may roar, 

 And seal their circling ramparts to the floor." 



EVANS. 



A mixture of wax and propolis being much more 

 adhesive than wax alone, serves admirably to strengthen 

 the attachments of the combs to the top and sides of the 

 hive. If the combs are not- filled with honey or brood 

 soon after they are built, they are varnished with a delicate 

 coating of propolis, which adds greatly to their strength ; 



