18 BEE CULTURE. 
the whole ruling power of the colony and regulate its 
economy. 
The workers are provided with a sac or honey-bag ; there 
isa small cavity on their posterior legs, (Fig. £3, A.) in which 
they store the pollen of flowers in very small lumps, being 
Fie. 6.—The Worker Bee, magnified. 
the most convenient form in which to carry it home. They 
are also provided with a sting, which they use only for 
defense. 
They gather honey, which is a secretion in many flowers— 
pollen, which is the farina of various plants, and which is 
largely used in forming bee-bread, and also propolis or bee- 
Fic. 7.—Head of Worker, magnified. 
glue, a resinous substance that is used in fastening the combs 
to the sides of hives, and to fill cracks or open places. 
Many persons entertain the idea that the Worker bees live 
many years. Their conclusion is drawn from the fact that 
colonies inhabit the same hive for a long period ; but the 
natural life of the Worker honey-bee does not exceed six 
