162 INSECT OBSER VA T10N. 



being out in flower in April and May, all kinds of 

 insects are then to be found upon it, seeking honey 

 or pollen among the blossoms. By closely watching 

 and comparing the specimens I see with plates in 

 the books on bees I have learned to distinguish 

 many of the different species. It is one thing, 

 however, to see a bee figured in a book, or to 

 look through a dried collection of them ; it is far 

 more delightful to see the bright, beautiful creature 

 itself, instinct with life, busily at work or play. 

 These solitary bees evidently enjoy flirting in the 

 gayest manner, and their soft, downy bodies and 

 brilliant colours only show to real advantage 

 whilst alive and lighted up by sunshine. It is 

 a great puzzle to make out the different species, 

 especially when, as in some cases, the sexes differ 

 much in appearance. A jet black bee was often to 

 be seen in early spring hovering over the pulmo- 

 naria, more intent on his companions than on the 

 flowers, and every now and then he would seize a 

 yellow-bodied fellow-worker, and off the two would 

 go for a frolic in the air. I became enlightened 

 when I found they were husband and wife, and 

 merely beguiling the tedium of work by an occa- 



