195 



HIDDEN LIVES 



As we pursue our nature studies, we cannot fail 

 to be struck by the fact that there exists all around 

 us curious hidden lives of creatures unknown to us. 

 These are only revealed when, by chance, our 

 attention is called to some trace left behind 

 them which excites our curiosity. Then, indeed, 

 investigation may often lead to interesting dis- 



'is 



coveries. 



We may frequently find snail shells on hedge- 

 banks with no living snail 

 inhabitant, but half filled 

 with dry clay. Any one 

 might suppose these had 

 become thus filled by 

 accident, but if we take 

 the shells home and place 

 them in a box with muslin 

 or net over the top, we 

 shall find that specimens NEST OF BEE IN SNAIL SHELL 

 of the mason bee (Osmia <*/./*). 



aurulentd) will in due time hatch out of the 

 mud-cells in the snail shell. It is the habit of 

 this bee to choose an empty shell as a cradle for 

 her young. The Osmia collects little pellets of 

 mud, and with it she forms cells to contain her 

 eggs and food for the grubs which will hatch out 

 of them. 



The mother-bee carries out this arrangement in 

 summer, and leaves her nursery to itself; winter 

 passes by, and in the following spring the young 

 bees emerge from the snail shell to begin life on 



