A NICE LITTLE HOUSEKEEPER. IOI 



they be fed? Bee-life, like other insect life, like bird- 

 life, and man-life, is beset with struggles and dangers. 

 Bee-moths, rats, mice, woodpeckers, bee-martin birds, 

 toads, and bears are all after the little honey maker's 

 honey or its life. 



24. A NICE LITTLE HOUSEKEEPER. 



Jenny. WELL, Mrs. Ant, I am glad to see you here 

 again. I quite missed you. 



Ant. I am much obliged to you for thinking of me, 

 Miss Jenny. However, I have not been away since 

 the last time I had the pleasure of meeting you. 



Jenny. But I have seen nothing of you since last 

 October, though I have come to the nest several times 

 to inquire for you. 



Ant. I assure you, Miss Jenny, I have not stirred 

 from this spot since last autumn, until yesterday, when 

 I came out for the first time, and we began our spring 

 house-cleaning and repairs, which you see are going on 

 very actively. 



Jenny. I should like to see the interior of one of 

 your houses. 



Ant (in great alarm). I hope you will not think of 

 examining one of them, Miss Jenny. It would afford 

 you very little gratification, and it would inflict great 

 injury on us. 



Jenny. Do not be disturbed, Mrs. Ant. I have not 

 the least idea of digging up your nice nest and spoil- 



