130 PROPOLIS. 



legs ; it was detached in small particles, and the pro- 

 cess of packing was seen distinctly, as the bee did not 

 fly during the operation, as in the case of packing 

 pollen. It is asserted that when bees need it they 

 always have it, indicating that they can elaborate it 

 like wax. I can see no reason why they do not need 

 it in June as much as August j-yet, in the latter month, 

 they use more than a hundred times the quantity. 

 At this time, they manifest no disposition to gather 

 any from the old boards, &c. It would seem they 

 prefer the article new, which they now have in abun- 

 dance. Boxes filled in June contain but very little, 

 sometimes none. Why not, if they have enough of 

 it ? but when filled in August, they always have the 

 corners, and sometimes the top and sides, lined with 

 a good coat. Cracks, large enough for bees to pass 

 through, are sometimes completely filled with it. In 

 this season, a little before sunset of some fair day, I 

 have frequently seen the bees enter the hive with 

 what I supposed to be the pure article on their legs, 

 like pollen, except the surface, which would be smooth 

 and glossy ; the color much lighter than when it gets 

 age. I have also seen them through the glass inside, 

 when they seemed unable to dislodge it themselves, 

 like pollen, and were continually running around 

 among those engaged in soldering and plastering; 

 when one required a little, it seized hold of the pellet 

 with its teeth or forceps, and detached a portion. 

 The whole lump will not cleave oif at once ; but 

 firmly adheres to the leg ; from its tenacity, perhaps a 

 string an inch long will be formed in separating, the 



