130 
PROPOLIS. 
legs ; it was detached in small particles, and the pro- 
cess of packing was seen distinctly, as the bee did not 
fly daring the operation, as in the case of packing 
pollen. It is asserted that when bees need it they 
always have it, indicating that they can elaborate it 
like wax. I can see no reason why they do not need 
it in June as much as August ; yet, in the latter month, 
they use more than a hundred times the quantity. 
At this time, they manifest no disposition to gather 
any from the old boards, &c. It would seem they 
prefer the article new, which they now have in abun- 
dance. Boxes filled in June contain but very little, 
sometimes none. Why not, if they have enough of 
it? but when filled in August, they always have the 
corners, and sometimes the top and sides, lined with 
a good coat. Cracks, large enough for bees to pass 
through, are sometimes completely filled with it. In 
this season, a little before sunset of some fair day, I 
have frequently seen the bees enter the hive with 
what I supposed to be the pure article on their legs, 
like pollen, except the surface, which would be smooth 
and glossy ; the color much lighter than when it gets 
age. I have also seen them through the glass inside, 
when they seemed unable to dislodge it themselves, 
like pollen, and were continually running around 
among those engaged in soldering and plastering; 
when one required a little, it seized hold of the pellet 
with its teeth or forceps, and detached a portion. 
The whole lump will not cleave off at once ; but 
firmly adheres to the leg ; from its tenacity, perhaps a 
string an inch long will be formed in separating, the 
