FABRE'S BOOK OF INSECTS 



can see the full value of the sticky liquid that helps the 

 tiny creature to hold fast; and we can realise that the 

 elastic probes and bristles on the legs serve to penetrate 

 the Bee's down and anchor the grub in position. The 

 more one considers this arrangement, which seems so 

 useless as the grub drags itself laboriously over a smooth 

 surface, the more does one marvel at all the machinery 

 which this fragile creature carries about to save it from 

 falling during its adventurous rides. 



m 



THE SECOND ADVENTURE 



One 2 1st of May I went to Carpentras, determined to 

 see, if possible, the entrance of the Sitaris into the Bee's 

 cells. 



The works were in full swing. In front of a high ex- 

 panse of earth a swarm of Bees, stimulated by the sun, 

 was dancing a crazy ballet. From the tumultuous heart 

 of the cloud rose a monotonous, threatening murmur, 

 while my bewildered eye tried to follow the movements 

 of the throng. Quick as a lightning-flash thousands of 

 Anthophora' were flying hither and thither in search of 

 booty: thousands of others, also, were arriving, laden 

 with honey, or with mortar for their building. 



At that time I knew comparatively little about these 

 insects. It seemed to me that any one who ventured 



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