130 
FABINA. 
closest cohesion ; and is further prevented from con- 
tributing to the multiplication of hybrid plants.* 
The collection of pollen by the bees is made in 
greatest quantity in the earlier part of the day, before 
the heat of the sun has dried up the moisture which 
renders it more easily packed into the little masses 
which adhere to their legs. After they are fully 
loaded, they return to their hive, and deposit their 
burden in cells in which there is neither honey nor 
brood. The mode in which the Bee unloads itself, 
has been already noticed. Planting her middle and 
hind legs firmly on the edges of the cell, she sweeps 
with her fore-legs the pellets from their baskets, and 
thus drops them into the cell. Another worker in- 
stantly inserts her head into this cell, and keeps it 
there for a minute or two, evidently kneading the 
farina, and probably mixing with it a portion of honey 
disgorged from the honey-bag, as it presents a moist 
appearance on her leaving it. Farina is probably 
mixed with wax in constructing the combs when the 
latter substance is scarce, especially in building the 
royal cells, the outer surface of which appears to be 
nearly altogether farina, and only the inner surface 
of wax highly polished. But the principal use of 
this substance, after undergoing, perhaps, a peculiar 
elaboration, is to nourish the brood. This fact was 
proved by an interesting experiment of Huber. He 
furnished a hive, with combs containing brood, with 
honey and water, but no farina, and confined the 
bees so as to prevent them from seeking this last sub- 
* Bevan on the Honey-Bee. 
