The Mason-bees 



foraging-trips, the work of building is re- 

 sumed ; and some new rows of bricks raise the 

 edge of the basin, which becomes capable of 

 receiving a larger stock of provisions. Then 

 comes another change of business : the mason 

 once more becomes a harvester. A little later, 

 the harvester is again a mason; and these al- 

 ternations continue until the cell is of the regu- 

 lation height and holds the amount of honey 

 required for the larva. Thus come, turn and 

 turn about, more or less numerous according 

 to the occupation in hand, journeys to the dry 

 and barren path, where the cement is gathered 

 and mixed, and journeys to the flowers, where 

 the Bee's crop is crammed with honey and her 

 belly powdered with pollen. 



At last comes the time for laying. We see 

 the Bee arrive with a pellet of mortar. She 

 gives a glance at the cell to enquire if every- 

 thing is in order ; she inserts her abdomen ; and 

 the egg is laid. Then and there the mother 

 seals up the home: with her pellet of cement 

 she closes the orifice and manages so well with 

 the material that the lid receives its perma- 

 nent form at this first sitting; It has only to be 

 thickened and strengthened with fresh layers, 

 a work which is less urgent and will be done 

 i66 



