X0TES ON ACULEATE HYMENOPTERA. 35 



the coming throng (Andrena Clarl-ella), appeared in pro- 

 fusion in the spring ; and during the month of September, 

 so fine and spring-like were the days, that some bees, ap- 

 parently deceived by it, came forth before their winter's 

 sleep ; of these we observed Andrena Grcynana and Afze- 

 liella, both sexes of the latter ; we also met with M electa 

 punctata, Anthophora acervorum and Nomada succincta 

 and Mar&liamella. Such appearances are seldom observed, 

 but we have elsewhere recorded one or two similar occur- 

 rences. 



The success of the insect-hunter, like that of the hunter 

 after larger game, will of course be greatly enhanced by ex- 

 perience; thus he who has made himself acquainted with the 

 "private lives" of his favourites, and the whereabouts they 

 dwell, will start with immense advantages over the young 

 and inexperienced. 



We have explored many localities, and have from time to 

 time directed others to such spots as we have found prolific ; 

 it has been our lot, during two seasons previous, to explore 

 the sand-hills near Deal, and some other spots alonsj; the line 

 of coast to Dover. During the latter part of July and the 

 beginning of August last we made some further explorations, 

 some at different points and at right angles with the coast 

 line, penetrating short distances inland. It was on one of 

 these inland excursions that we discovered — 

 " A populous solitude of Bees — 

 And fairy- formed and many-coloured things." 



And to this we shall specially direct attention. In no one 

 spot have we ever found such an assemblage of rarities, 

 including one or two we had not seen alive before. 



Our attention has during the past season been particularly 

 attracted to the habits of the leaf-cutting bees ; the circum- 

 stance which, in the first instance, directed our attention to 



d2 



