28 THE HONEY-BEE. 
flowers, and pass rapidly over the anthers, the pollen- 
bearing portion of the stamens, detaching a portion of 
the dust, which lodges on most parts of them, and is 
brushed together and packed in little pellets in the curi- 
ous ‘‘ pollen-baskets ” on their posterior legs. 
This process is much more readily observed, when 
the bees are collecting rye-meal, which is sometimes given 
them as a substitute for pollen. That they gather pollen 
from but one kind of flower at once, is shown by the 
uniformity of color in the pellets, pollen from different 
species, varying greatly in color. It is usually packed in 
worker-cells, and is generally in the vicinity of the brood- 
combs, but small portions being often found in other 
parts of the hive. 
It is easy to observe the bees depositing their loads 
of pollen. The legs holding the pellets are thrust into 
the cell, and a motion as if rubbing them together is 
made for half a minute, when they are withdrawn, and 
the little loaves may be seen at the bottom. This bee 
appears to take no further care about them, but another 
will soon come along, enter the cell head first, and pack 
the pollen close. The cell is filled about two-thirds of its 
length in this way, and when sealed over, a little honey is 
used. to fillit out. This is undoubtedly done to keep it 
fresh. The collected pollen is known as ‘‘ bee-bread.” 
GATHERING AND STORING HONEY. 
The bee gathers honey from the flowers, but does not 
make it, as is frequently supposed. It is taken into the 
honey-sac or stomach, and on the return to the hive, is 
expelled for storage in the cells. 
The process of filling cells with honey is curious and 
instructive. It may be observed by quietly removing the 
side of a modern hive, when the bees are at work on the 
outside comb, or by arranging a window ina hive, covered 
with a door or slide. 
