INSECTS AND VERMES. 267 



suckle ; it scarcely settles upon the plants, 

 but feeds on the wing in the manner of 

 humming birds. WHITE. 



I have frequently seen the large bee 

 moth, sphinx stellatarum, inserting its long- 

 tongue or proboscis into the centre of 

 flowers, and feeding on their nectar, with- 

 out settling on them, but keeping con- 

 stantly on the wing. MARKWICK. 



WILD BEE. 



There is a sort of wild bee frequenting 

 the garden-campion for the sake of its to- 

 mentum, which probably it turns to some 

 purpose in the business of nidification. It 

 is very pleasant to see with what address it 

 strips off the pubes, running from the top 

 to the bottom of a branch, and shaving it 

 bare with all the dexterity of a hoop-shaver. 

 When it has got a vast bundle, almost as 

 large as itself, it flies away, holding it 

 secure between its chin and its fore legs. 



