PROPOLIS. 79 



this substance has not been turned to any serviceable 

 human use. 



In reviewing these various products gathered or 



elaborated by bees, we cannot fail to be struck with 



the marvellous adaptation of different materials to 



the wants of the community, the skill displayed in 



the application of them to the general purposes of 



the commonwealth; and, above all, the wondrous 



suitability of means to ends, shown by the workers 



of the hive. If we refuse to allow the possession 



of reason to these extraordinary insects, we must 



admit the existence in them of some faculty almost 



more to be admired ; and, in any case, we can but 



bow in reverence before the all-comprehensive Divine 



wisdom and goodness, which have endowed creatures 



so small with powers so surprising — which have made 



them subservient to human needs or comfort, and 



which have enabled the bees to work even to better 



advantage under the tutelage of man, than when left 



to their natural habits and surroundings. 



