in the productions of nature. It is found on the upper surface of the leaves of many trees in the form of a varnish, possessing all the properties of bees-wax. The wax-bearing myrtle, (Myrica Cerifera,) a shrub which grows abundantly in Louisiana and other parts of North America, bears a small berry, of which wax forms the outer coating, and which, when exposed to flame, burns with an agreeable aromatic odour. Dr. Darwin supposes that the design of the waxy varnish which covers the flowers is "to glaze over the fecundating dust of the anthers, and prevent its premature explosion from excessive moisture," and ascribes to an unseasonable diffusion of the anther dust, the failure of orchard and corn crops in summers of extreme humidity.
The quantity of wax found in this form is small compared with that which is produced by the honey-bee, and also of inferior quality. When pure, it is of a whitish colour, destitute of taste, and with scarcely any smell; it grows brown and even blackish with age. After manipulation it has an aromatic smell, which, however, disappears on exposure to the atmosphere. The dust of flowers, called pollen or farina, was long supposed to be the element of wax; and it is a curious instance of the tardy progress of the knowledge of natural history, that, though the mode in which wax is produced by the bees was ascertained beyond all doubt by Huber, 40 years ago, the fact is yet little known, and scarcely believed; and farina has, with
fluidity. And that by such treatment, the honey-dew may be entirely prevented, I have often myself witnessed in my own garden," &c.
