30 THE HONEY-BEE. 



polis themselves, and were continually running around 

 among those engaged in using it in the hive. 



When one required a little, it seized the pellet with 

 its forceps, and detached a portion. The whole lump 

 will not cleave off at once, but firmly adheres to the leg, 

 and from its tenacity, a string an inch long, will some- 

 times be formed in separating. This substance is used 

 to solder up all the cracks, flaws, and irregularities about 

 the hive. A coat is spread over the inside throughout, 

 and when the hive is full, and many bees cluster outside 

 the latter part of summer, they also spread a coating 

 there. A layer seems to be annually applied, as old hives 

 are coated with a thickness proportionate to their age, 

 provided they have been occupied by a strong family. 



In August they use a hundred-fold more propolis 

 than at any time before. Boxes filled in. June contain 

 but very little, sometimes none ; but when filled in 

 August, the corners, and sometimes the top and sides are 

 well lined. Cracks, large enough for the bees to pass 

 through, are sometimes completely filled with it. 



BROOD-EBAEING. WHEN IT BEGINS. 



The period at which the queen commences depositing 

 her eggs, depends upon the strength of the colony, and 

 the amount of honey on hand. If these conditions are 

 favorable, breeding will take place, to a certain extent, 

 during the winter months, but is not carried on largely 

 until warm weather approaches, and honey is gathered 

 freely. 



FORM OF THE BEOOD-NEST. 



The first eggs are deposited in that part of the comb 

 which is in the center of the cluster of bees and is the 

 warmest part of the hive. A small space is occupied at 

 first, and the cells opposite, in the same comb, are used 

 next. 



