The Mason-bees 



A few days later, when I have definitely de- 

 cided on my plan, Lucie resumes her watch 

 and soon comes to tell me of a sortie. I was 

 counting on it, for the Amazons rarely miss 

 an expedition during the hot and sultry after- 

 noons of June and July, especially when 

 the weather threatens storm. Hop-o'-My- 

 Thumb's pebbles once more mark out the 

 road, on which I choose the point best-suited 

 to my schemes. 



A garden-hose is fixed to one of the feeders 

 of the pond; the sluice is opened; and the 

 Ants' path is cut by a continuous torrent, two 

 or three feet wide and of unlimited length. 

 The sheet of water flows swiftly and plenti- 

 fully at first, so as to wash the ground well 

 and remove anything that may possess a 

 scent. This thorough washing lasts for nearly 

 a quarter of an hour. Then, when the Ants 

 draw near, returning from the plunder, I let 

 the water flow more slowly and reduce its 

 depth, so as not to overtax the strength of the 

 insects. Now we have an obstacle which the 

 Amazons must surmount, if it is absolutely 

 necessary for them to follow the first trail. 



This time, the hesitation lasts long and the 

 stragglers have time to come up with the head 

 142 



