26 THE HUMBLE-BEE Hh 
just before it opens into the cavity containing the 
lump of pollen and eggs, and is consequently 
detached from it. 
The completed honey-pot is large and approxi- 
mately globular, and is capable of holding nearly a 
thimbleful of honey. Several honey-pots from nests 
of B. lapidarius that | measured were 3 in. to # in. 
high and } in, to 2 in. in diameter at the greatest 

Fic, 6.—Honey-pot from Nest of Fic. 7.—The same, side view. 
Bombus lapidarius, seen from 
above. Natural size. 
width, but I believe these dimensions are sometimes 
exceeded: 
The honey-pot is exceedingly delicate and fragile, 
the wall being thin as well as soft; but being left 
undisturbed, it remains water-tight for about a 
month, which is as long as it is needed. 
The queen re-shapes the mouth of the honey- 
pot daily according to her requirements. Thus, at 
night, when the honey-pot is full of honey, the mouth 
is attenuated and small—only about a quarter of an 
