THE MASONS 229 



dibles. It came straight to the pit with a 

 loud hum, and on alighting, lost not a 

 moment in beginning to work ; finishing 

 the kneading of its little load in two or 

 three minutes. The nest of this species is 

 shaped like a pouch, two inches in length, 

 and is attached to a branch or other pro- 

 jecting object. 



"One of these restless artificers once 

 began to build on the handle of a chest 

 in the cabin of my canoe, when we 

 were stationary at a place for several 

 days. 



" It was so intent on its work that it 

 allowed me to inspect the movements of 

 its mouth with a lens whilst it was laying 

 on the mortar. 



" Every fresh pellet was brought in with 

 a triumphant song, which changed to a 

 cheerful, busy hum when it alighted and 

 began to work. 



" The little ball of moist clay was laid on 

 the edge of the cell, and then spread out 



