VI A HUMBLE-BEE HOUSE 97 
having the nest sections no larger than the size of 
the comb, so that there are no large spaces in their 
corners where excrement can be deposited, and, at 
the same time, placing a vestibule, consisting of a 
box containing a little fine earth, between the nest 
dace the entrance tube, Ihe excrement is then 
ejected on to the earth, chiefly in the corners of the 
vestibule that are farthest from the nest; and at 
intervals the soiled earth may be removed and 
replaced by fresh earth. In this way a humble- 
bee’s nest is not more difficult to keep clean than 
a bird-cage—in fact less so, for the earth need not 
be renewed oftener than once a week. The clean- 
ing of the vestibule is only for one’s own comfort, 
for the humble-bees do not suffer if it is left un- 
cleaned. A sheet of glass covers the vestibule. 
To prevent the humble-bees from lifting the 
sheets of glass covering the vestibule and nest, I 
place over each glass a piece of tile weighing about 
half-a-pound, with a square of felt under it. The 
tile and felt also help to conserve heat, and, in 
addition, keep out light, which the humble-bees 
dislike in their dwelling, although, like honey-bees, 
they soon become accustomed to it. 
The best way to stock the house is to get the 
nests started out-of-doors under Sladen wooden 
covers (see p. 109), and then as soon as the first 
workers have emerged, to place them in the start- 
ing sections, feeding them for a few days until they 
can support themselves. Colonies of J/apzdarzus, 
which is the species most likely to nest under the 
H 
