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PROPOLIS. 
CHAPTEE VI. 
PROPOLIS. 
WHAT USED FOR. 
This substance is first used to solder up all the 
cracks, flaws, and irregularities about the hive. A 
coat is then spread over the inside throughout ; when 
the hive is full, and many bees cluster outside, the 
latter part of summer, a coat of it is also spread there. 
An additional coat it seems is annually applied, as old 
hives will be coated with a thickness proportionate to 
its age, providing it has been occupied with a strong 
family. Huber has said it was also used to strengthen 
the cells when first made, by mixing it with the wax. 
If it was their practice at that time, the practice has 
been abandoned by our bees to a great extent. I 
have made examinations when comb was first made, 
when it contained eggs, and when it contained larvae, 
and have never been able to find anything other than 
pure wax composing it. After a young bee has 
matured in a cell, the coating or cocoon that it leaves 
is of a dark color, somewhat resembling it, and may 
have given rise to the supposition. How the article 
is obtained, appears to be the mystery. This is a sub- 
ject about which apiarians have failed to agree. A 
few contend that it is an elaborated substance ; while 
others assert it to be a resinous gum, exuding from 
certain trees, and collected by the bees like pollen. 
It differs materially from wax, being more tenacious, 
and when it gets a little age, much harder. 
