Experiments 



the Cercerls-wasps once showed me in similar 

 circumstances. As soon as they are liberated, 

 the Mason-bees flee as though scared, some in 

 one direction, some in exactly the opposite di- 

 rection. Nevertheless, as far as their impetu- 

 ous flight allows, I seem to perceive a quick 

 return on the part of those Bees who have 

 started flying towards a point opposite to 

 their homes ; and the majority appear to me to 

 be making for those blue distances where their 

 nest lies. I leave this question with certain 

 doubts which are inevitable in the case of in- 

 sects which I cannot follow with my eyes for 

 more than twenty yards. 



Hitherto, the operation has been favoured 

 by calm weather; but now things become com- 

 plicated. The heat is stifling and the sky 

 becomes stormy. A stiff breeze springs up, 

 blowing from the south, the very direction 

 which my Bees must take to return to the nest. 

 Can they overcome this opposing current and 

 cleave the aerial torrent with their wings? 

 If they try, they will have to fly close to the 

 ground, as I now see the Bees do who con- 

 tinue their foraging; but soaring to lofty 

 regions, whence they can obtain a clear view 

 of the country, is, so it seems to me, pro- 

 Si 



