v SEARCHING FOR NESTS 85 
around the spot until we have ascertained the exact 
place (which is likely to be more or less concealed) 
where the bees go in and out, for the bees know 
every stalk and blade about the entrance to their 
nest, and if any of these are disturbed they will be 
unable to show us the way in. We may now capture 
a specimen to ascertain the species, and also find 
out if the nest is underground or on the surface ; in 
the latter case a gentle patting of the surrounding 
herbage will elicit a muffled buzzing from it and so 
reveal its position. Should it not be desired to take 
the nest at once, its position may be marked by 
placing a stick in the ground close to it; or, in the 
case of a nest in an open bank, a stone or two from 
the road or field may be placed opposite it. Another 
good way to remember the location of a nest is to 
note two prominent objects, one much nearer than 
the other that it brings into line, this imaginary line 
being about at right angles to the bank or path 
near which the nest is situated. 
On calm days I have often discovered nests on 
the roadside when out driving in my trap while it 
is going at walking pace up or down hills. An 
excellent time to find the nests is in the evening 
when the wind has died down, for the humble- 
bees keep busy till just before sunset, and in warm 
weather till dusk. 
Many nests may often be discovered in newly- 
mown hay-fields, where the bees, having been thrown 
into confusion by the cutting of the hay, may be 
seen hovering around the spots endeavouring to 
