CHAP. 7.—THE MEANING OF ERITHACE, SANDARACA, OR CERINTHOS.
In addition to this, the bees form collections of erithace or
bee-bread, which some persons call "sandaraca," [Note] and others
"cerinthos." This is to serve as the food of the bees while
they are at work, and is often found stowed away in the cavi-
ties of the cells, being of a bitter flavour also. It is produced
from the spring dews and the gummy juices of trees, being
less abundant while the south-west wind is blowing, and
blackened by the prevalence of a south wind. On the other
hand, again, it is of a reddish colour and becomes improved by
the north-east wind; it is found in the greatest abundance upon
the nut trees in Greece. Menecrates says, that it is a flower,
which gives indications of the nature of the coming harvest;
but no one says so, with the exception of him.
