POLLEN. 93 



of the sugar cano has diminished the relative value of its 

 luscious sweets, the superior knowledge which has been ob- 

 tained of its instincts, is awakening an increasing enthusiasm 

 in its cultivation. 



Virgil in the fourth book of his Georgics, which is entirely 

 devoted to bees, speaks of them as having received a direct 

 emanation from the Divine Intelligence. And many modern 

 Apiarians are almost disposed to rank the bee for sagacity, as 

 next in the scale of creation to man. 



The importance of pollen to the nourishment of the 

 brood, has long been known, and of late, successful attempts 

 have been made to furnish a substitute. The bees in Dzier- 

 zon's Apiary were observed by him, early in the spring 

 before the time for procuring pollen, to bring rye meal to 

 their hives from a neighboring mill. It is now a common 

 practice on the continent of Europe, where bee keeping is 

 extensively carried on, to supply the bees, in early spring, 

 with this article. Shallow troughs are set in front of the 

 Apiaries, which are filled, about two inches deep, with 

 finely ground, dry, unboiled rye meal. Thousands of bees 

 resort eagerly to them when the weather is favorable, roll 

 themselves in the meal, and return heavily laden to their 

 hives. In fine, mild weather, they labor at this work with 

 astonishing industry ; and seem decidedly to prefer the meal 

 to the old pollen stored in their combs. By this means, the 

 bees are induced- to commence breeding early, and rapidly 

 recruit their numbers. The feeding is continued till the 

 bees cease to carry away the meal ; that is, until the natural 

 supplies furnish them with a preferable article. The aver- 

 age consumption of each colony is about two pounds of 

 meal ! 



At the last annual Apiarian Convention in Germany, a 

 cultivator recommended wheat flour as an excellent substi- 



