INSIDE THE HIVE.—Chapter VIII. 
Queen-cells, if present at. all in the hive, are usually found built about 
the lower edges of the comb or on possible depressions of the combs. 
Pollen. 
Pollen, the fertilizing dust of flowers, is harvested by the bees and 
is stored in the cells for food. It is the breadstuff of the bees, fur- 
nished by flowers. It is of a powdery nature, and may be red, green, 
brown or yellow, depending on the source. The bees carry the pollen 
into the hives, packed in pellets in the “pollen-baskets” provided by 
nature on their rear legs, depositing 
it generally in the worker-cells. This 
‘ pollen furnishes the nitrogenous food 
for the bees themselves; but more 
especially for the larvae. Without 
it brood-rearing could not be carried 
on; and, if there is no natural pol- 
len, substitutes sometimes are pro- 
vided, although with doubtful re- 
sults. The pollen, moistened with 
honey, is packed firmly into the cells 
Enlarged photograph of a worker hee by the bees—these cells, as before 
showing the rounded pellets of pollen . i Z 
on her rear legs. stated, ordinarily being located close 
to the cells of brood. This packed 
pollen, or beebread, is of a somewhat disagreeable taste (to man), but has 
great nutritive properties. ~ 
Propolis. 
Another substance gathered by bees, and very necessary to them, is a 
substance known as propolis, or bee glue. It is ordinarily gathered from 
the resinous coats of the buds of trees and smaller plants. But lacking 
this source of supply the bees seemingly resort to various substances such 
as varnishes, resin, pitch and the like. Bees gather propolis and carry it 
to their hives precisely as they do pollen. It is never packed in the cells, 
but applied at once as needed for coating over the inside of their hives, 
filling cracks and crevices, covering cocoons of wax worms or other ob- 
jectionable matter that may have got into the hive, and for making things 
fast and close generally within their home. Propolis is an exceedingly 
. sticky and strong glue, yet it is hard and brittle when cold. The beginner 
has yet to learn how disagreeable it may be, and what a nuisance it can 
prove to the beekeeper when manipulating the hive; yet it is important to 
the bees’ welfare, especially in making the hive snug and warm for the win- 
ter. Propolis may be removed from the hands or apiary tools by the use 
of wood alcohol or turpentine. 
Honey. 
Honey, the chief product of the bees and tlie chief object of the bee- 
keeper, is a sweet produced from the nectar of flowers. It is gathered by 
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