96 AUSTRALASIAN 



The bees, if left to themselves, usually build a large amount 

 of drone comb for storage of honey; and thus in another 

 season a great and what appears to be an unnecessary quantity 

 of drones appear on the stage. This is now obviated by the 

 introduction of artificial comb foundation; for, as will be seen, 

 the apiarist now can regulate the work, and so force the bees 

 to produce either drones or workers, as he may most require. 



POLLEN AND BEE-BREAD. 



Pollen is the name given to the dust-like particles of farina- 

 ceous matter which constitutes the fecundating principle of the 

 stamens of flowers and blossoms of all sorts. The manner in 

 which it is collected by bees, and the part it plays in the 

 " relation between insects and flowers," have been already de- 

 scribed in Chapter III. It is of great importance in the economy 



C D 



Fig. 38.— POLLEN GRAINS UNDER THE MICROSCOPE. 



of the hive, as, after being mixed with a little honey, and 

 packed in the cells of the brood combs, it forms the bee-bread, 

 which is indispensable to the nourishment of the young bees, 

 and without which, as has been proved, no brood can be raised. 

 It is very rich in nitrogenous substances, which are necessary 

 for the formation and maintenance of muscular tissue, and 

 therefore to the development of the young bees. 



