80 INSECT ARTIZANS AND THEIR WORK 



rolling them into a convenient shape, in its man- 

 dibles. It came straight to the pit with a loud 

 hum, and on alighting lost not a moment in begin- 

 ning its work, finishing the kneading of its little 

 load in two or three minutes. The nest of this 

 species is shaped like a pouch, two inches in length, 

 and is attached to a branch or other projecting 

 object. 



" One of these restless artificers once began to 

 build on the handle of a chest in the cabin of my 

 canoe, when we were stationary at a place for 

 several days. It was so intent upon its work that 

 it allowed me to inspect the movements of its 

 mouth with a lens whilst it was laying on the 

 mortar. Every fresh pellet was brought in with a 

 triumphant song, which changed to a cheerful 

 busy hum when it alighted and began to work. 

 The little ball of moist clay was laid on the edge 

 of the cell, and then spread out around the circular 

 rim by means of the lower lip, guided by the 

 mandibles. The insect placed itself astride over 

 the rim to work, and on finishing each addition 

 to the structure, took a turn round, patting the 

 sides with its feet inside and out before flying 

 off to gather a fresh pellet. It worked only in 

 sunny weather, and the previous layer was some- 

 times not quite dry when the new coating was 

 added. The whole structure takes about a week 

 to complete. 



" I left the place before the gay little builder had 

 quite finished her task : she did not accompany the 



