Page:Jardine Naturalist's library Bees.djvu/137

Rh 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 material, we see them busied in hundreds on the growing trees, and bringing it home in large quantities. The bees employ this substance in the commencement 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 degree, 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 during 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 stopping 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