256 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 



its bright petals from the bud. A spray of the un- 

 timely blossoms was sent over to the island. Patrick, 

 surprised and pleased, remembered his promise, and 

 hastened to obey the sweet summons of his sister. 

 The Almond, proud of the sister's gratitude and of the 

 saint's approving smile, has ever since that time 

 flowered earlier than any other tree. 



Fig. 93. XYLOCOPA VIOLACEA, THE CARPENTER BEE, AND NEST. 



