76 HUMBLE CREATUEES. 



grains, some in their normal or natural state, and 

 others that are beginning to sprout. Beyond this, 

 we have nothing of interest to add concerning Bee- 

 bread, and shall therefore pass on to the consideration 

 of the fourth substance that enters into the economy 

 of the hive — namely. Propolis. 



This material is the viscid coating with which the 

 buds and twigs of several plants are covered, and is 

 collected by the Bee from these portions of the pine, 

 fir, poplar, and birch, as well as from certain shrubs ; 

 it is conveyed to the hive in the cavity of the hind 

 leg in the same manner as pollen. 



Propolis has been found to be composed of the 

 following ingredients : — 



Resin 57 parts 



Wax 14 „ 



Impurities 14 „ 



Acid and waste 15 „ 



100 

 It is reddish-brown, viscid, easily softened by the 

 warmth of the hand, and has an agreeable aromatic 

 odour ; dissolves readily in alcohol ; and when com- 

 bined with alkali, it forms soap*. Although it is 

 rarely employed by man (being occasionally used in 

 taking impressions of medallions), yet to the Bee it 

 is an indispensable element in the construction of its 

 hive. The insect uses it not only to fill up all the 

 chinks and crannies of the hive, but also in cementing 

 * Achille Kichard, Hist. Nat. M^dicale. 



