226 



TRANSFORMATIONS OF INSECTS. 



and makes them vertical at first, and afterwards horizontal, and 

 carries them on to some depth and distance ; indeed, some of 

 the galleries are said to penetrate downwards to the depth of a 

 foot. It is a most audacious insect, and it settles upon flowers, 

 and pulls them about, and plays with them, as if it did not want 



THE METAMORriiOSES OF rJiilant/uts a^lZO) US. 



anything to eat, and had no particular cares; but it is on the 

 look out for its prey, and a little patient watching will be rewarded 

 by a very curious scene. Presently a bee comes to the flower 

 to collect honey and pollen in its usual quiet and business-like 

 manner ; the sly PJiilmiiJuts looks at it, and examines it, to see 

 if it is in good condition, and if it is to its taste, rushes upon 

 it with great impetuosity, seizes the bee between the head and 



