PROPOLIS, 105 
preference, reconstruct large cells, thus annulling our work 
of removal. 
234. (e) We have given one or two combs to a swarm 
as soon as it was hived (422), and we wonder why its bees 
have built so much drone-comb. The cause is obvious: 
the queen, finding empty cells to fill, remained a long time 
far from the builders, who, following their inclination, con- 
structed drone-cells. 
235. We have to utilize the facts just enunciated. If 
we desire to prevent a swarm from building too many store- 
combs, we should watch the builders, and remove the large 
cells as soon as built; these combs, if worth saving, may be 
used in the surplus sections (728). We must remember 
that, to succeed, it is indispensable that no other cells but 
the ones to be rebuilt be left at the disposal of the queen. 
The same rule applies also to the removal of drone-combs 
at any time; and as the fulfilling of this condition is not 
always possible, it is better to replace the removed combs 
with worker comb or comb foundation (674). 
The above rules are not without exceptions, for unnoticed 
circumstances may have some influence on the building of 
combs; but we think that we have stated the main causes 
of variation. 
PRopo.is. 
236. This substance, which is used by the bees to coat 
the inside of the bee-hive, and make it water and air tight, 
is obtained from the resinous buds and limbs of trees; the 
different varieties of poplar yield a rich supply. When first 
gathered, it is usually of a bright golden color, and so sticky 
that the bees never store it in cells, but apply it at once to 
the purposes for which they procured it. If a bee is caught 
while bringing in a load, it will be found to adhere very 
firmly to her legs. 
