156 ROMANCE OF THE INSECT WORLD CHAP. 



constitute one genus Bombus. Each differs some- 

 what in detail of habits, and almost interminable 

 varieties are exhibited as regards size and colour. 

 Yet, except in the case of some of the more promi- 

 nent species, they are not easy to identify ; naturally 

 the popular mind recognises no difference ; therefore 

 no distinct common appellations have been originated 

 for them, and unfortunately it becomes necessary to 

 make use of the scientific names. Their habitations 

 are rude, the number of inhabitants too is small, 

 sometimes not more than twenty, and rarely exceeds 

 two or three hundred. Again, contrary to the 

 custom of the hive, there is no single female who 

 permits no rival to divide with her the affection and 

 deference of her subjects, and who is set apart for 

 one exclusive function. In the Humble Bee's colonies 

 the males, females, and neuters* so-called, dwell on 

 terms of amicable equality together, and the females 

 share in the ordinary duties of building and 

 providing for the needs of the house. The males, 

 however, as in the hive, are fewer than the workers, 

 and idle, and when once they venture abroad 

 seldom return. 



The nest of B. muscorum is plentiful enough, but 

 not easily found. Usually it is situated in open 

 meadow r s and pastures, sometimes in hedge-banks 

 where the soil is entangled with roots, at the borders 

 of copses, or among moss-grown stones. It occupies 

 a shallow cavity in the ground, perhaps half a foot in 

 diameter, either selected ready-made or formed by 

 the bees with great labour. Over the inconsiderable 

 hollow rises a low vaulted dome or roof to a height 



