76 ROMANCE OF THE INSECT WORLD CHAP. 



proceeds perpendicularly and parallel to the sides 01 

 the wood, until a tunnel is sunk, of a length no less 

 than twelve or fifteen inches, and perhaps half an inch 

 wide. As though this remarkable exploit were not 

 enough, where the diameter will admit of it, some- 

 times three or four of these cylindrical tunnels are 

 excavated side by side, a task which takes several 

 weeks of incessant labour. 



One would judge the nest to be now complete and 

 ready for the progeny ; but no, much more remains 

 to be accomplished. It is necessary for the proper 

 development of the offspring that each should have 

 a separate apartment, and be supplied with its 

 appropriate quantity of food. Having finished the 

 bore to perfection it is made absolutely clean, 

 and smooth, and regular, as though chiselled by 

 a joiner and having deposited a single egg at 

 the bottom along with a ball of pollen and 

 honey, the bee covers this over with a ceiling at the 

 height of nearly an inch up the tube. Where, you 

 may ask, does she obtain her material, and how is 

 this partition constructed ? During her excavation, 

 the quantities of fibres detached were carefully stowed 

 away in a neat little heap at a short distance from the 

 nest, and sheltered from the action of the wind. Here 

 then is the wherewithal that she stands in need of. 

 With particles of this sawdust, cemented together with 

 her own natural glue and to the sides of the tunnel 

 she lays the foundation of the partition in the form of 

 a narrow annular ring. Being hardened, it affords 

 support for another ring along its interior edge ; 

 thus the orifice is gradually contracted, and is 



