258 PKOPOLis. 



soft, and that the bees would gather it, packing it on their 

 legs, the same as they do pollen. It is detached in small 

 particles, and the process of packing can be distinctly seen, 

 as the bee does not fly during the operation, as when pack- 

 ing pollen. 



If you squeeze a piece of dry comb together, in a hot 

 day, making a compact ball, and leave it near the hives, 

 the Italians will carry it away in a short time ; using it as 

 they do propolis. 



MORE ABUNDANT IN AUGUST. 



In August they use a hundred-fold more propolis than 

 in June, and at this time they manifest no disposition to 

 gather any from the old boards, etc. It would seem 

 that they prefer the ne\fr article which they now have in 

 abundance. 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 j)ass through, are sometimes 

 completely filled with it. 



The reason of its being collected in greater abundance 

 at this season may perhaps be found in the fact, that the 

 buds of trees and shrubs are now generally formed. 



So few bees are engaged in collecting it, that it is diffi- 

 cult to detect one in the act, but by persevering watchful- 

 ness, they may sometimes be seen, particularly in August. 



This is but one of the many branches of apiaiian sci- 

 ence, which are sadly neglected. So much error is min- 

 gled with the truth, that nothing but the most patient 

 scrutiny, and untiring investigation, can separate them. 



