THE HONEY-BEE. 
133 
* 
seem to attract the insect ; the viscous matter in them 
had less consistence, and therefore did not suit its 
purpose. The branches he used had been cut for 
some time. This last circumstance seems somewhat 
unaccountable. It can be but seldom, generally 
speaking, that the bees have it in their power to 
gather propolis from cut branches ; whereas, in point 
of fact, at the time when they most need that mate- 
rial, we see them busied in hundreds on the growing 
trees, and bringing it borne in large quantities. 
The bees employ this substance in the commence- 
ment of the structure of their combs, to attach them 
more firmly to the foundation than could be effected 
by wax alone, which is neither so tenacious, nor 
attains to so great a degree of hardness. Indeed, it 
possesses the former of these qualities to such a de- 
gree, that the bees find some difficulty in detaching 
the pellets from the baskets on their legs, and have 
been observed availing themselves of the aid of their 
companions for that purpose. And hence, aware of 
its tenacity, they are observed gathering it only dur- 
ing the heat of the day, when it is rendered more 
ductile by the warmth. It is employed also in 
attaching the edges of the combs to the sides of the 
hive, where it forms a projection from the comb, and 
serves the purpose of a point d’ appui. Every Bee- 
master is familiar with the use made of it in fastening 
the hives to the floors. It is employed too in stop- 
ping all crevices by which the winter’s cold might get 
access ; and, above all, it is specially employed as an 
effective barrier against the intrusion of enemies. The 
