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 fiU, remained a long time 

 far from the builders, who, following their inclination, con- 

 structed drone-ceUs. 



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 f ulfiUing 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. 



Peopolis. 



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 Umbs 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 wiU be found to adhere very 

 firmly to her legs. 



