412 TENANTS OF AN OLD FARM. 



as to keep a baby bee within its own proper bounds, 

 and proceeds to make another cell." 



" How many cells does she make, sir ?" asked Hugh. 



" The nest from which our illustrations were taken 

 contained thirty cells. These were not arranged con- 

 tinuously, but in nine separate rows or series of un- 

 equal length. The longest row contained six cells, and 

 was two and three-quarter inches long. The whole 

 leaf structure was equal to a length of fifteen inches, 

 and contained about a thousand pieces. I have often 

 wondered at the rare patience of some of our lady 

 friends in building a patchwork quilt out of no end of 

 bits of silk and other stuff. But here is an insect who 

 ma)'^ fairly rival them." 



" Here's your model nest," said Abby, who had by 

 this time completed her task. " I should have found it 

 a far easier work " — laughing — "if I could have crept 

 inside my burrow, as the bee does, instead of limiting 

 entrance to a finger or two. But I have been thinkiug 

 that you liave assigned these insects the wrong trade, 

 after all." 



" How is that ? AVhere do you place them ?" 



"With the upholsterers. These leaves are tapestry. 

 The bee hangs them upon her walls and ceiling, and 

 lays them as carpets upon her floors. Her handicraft 

 is upholstery, and therein I vote to put her." 



"Very well, put the little artificer where you may 

 she furnishes an interesting study. By-and-by her 

 eggs become larvae, feed upon the l)ee-bread provided 

 by the Torethought uttered through maternal care, 



