102 miner's AMERICAN 



randi by which it is produced; and here the ques- 

 tion must forever rest. The bees produce it when it is 

 required, but where they obtain it, or how they make it, 

 must be a secret not for man to unfold. Ruber's asser- 

 tion to the contrary, notwithstanding. 



It has been asserted by apiarians of considerable dis- 

 tinction, that propohs is used in laying the foundation 

 of combs ; but this assertion is at variance with my ex- 

 perience. The first rudiments of new-made combs 

 have come under my observation so many times — even 

 the very first beginning of constructing combs, up to 

 every stage of their prosecution, that what my own eyes 

 have so often beheld, cannot be controverted by the 

 statements of all the apiarians of Europe, should they 

 declare that propolis is used to lay the foundation of 

 cells. I have ever found the first rudiments of cells, to 

 be composed of wax, the same substance that the entire 

 combs and cells are composed of — not the slightest dif- 

 ference in construction and color, could I ever discover. 



