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 
welllined. Oracks, large encugh for the bees to pass 
through, are sometimes completely filled with it. 
BROOD-REARING.—-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 BROOD-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. 
