Part 2

Mabel Colcord, in charge of library.

Investigations in Bee Culture.

E. F. Phillips, in charge.

G. F. White, J. A. Nelson, experts.

G. S. Demuth, A. H. McCray, N. E. McIndoo, apicultural assistants.

Pearle H. Garrison, preparator.

D. B. Casteel, collaborator.

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

U. S. Department of Agriculture,

Bureau of Entomology,

Washington, D. C, September 23, 1912.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a manuscript entitled "The Behavior of the Honey Bee in Pollen Collecting," by Dr. Dana B. Casteel, of this bureau. The value of the honey bee in cross pollinating the flowers of fruit trees makes it desirable that exact information be available concerning the actions of the bee when gathering and manipulating the pollen. The results recorded in this manuscript are also of value as studies in the behavior of the bee and will prove interesting and valuable to the bee keeper. The work here recorded was done by Dr. Casteel during the summers of 1911 and 1912 at the apiary of this bureau.

I recommend that this manuscript be published as Bulletin No. 121 of the Bureau of Entomology.

Respectfully,

L. O. Howard,

Entomologist and Chief of Bureau.

Hon. James Wilson,

Secretary of Agriculture.

CONTENTS.

Page.

Introduction 7

The structures concerned in the manipulation of pollen 7

The pollen supply 10

General statement of the pollen-collecting process 11

Action of the forelegs and mouthparts 13

Action of the middle legs 14

Action of the hind legs 16

Additional details of the basket-loading process 18