110 MYSTERIES OF THE FLOWERS 



"I recently observed its singular reception to the 

 tiny black-and-white-banded bee, which seems Jo be 

 its special companion, none the less constant and 

 forgiving in spite of a hospitality which, from the 

 human standpoint, would certainly seem rather dis- 

 couraging. Fancy a morning call upon your par- 

 ticular friend. You knock at the door and are im- 

 mediately greeted at the threshold with a quart of 

 sulphur thrown in your face. Yet this is precisely 



ANDROMEDA 



the experience of this patient little insect, which 

 manifests no disposition to retaliate with the con- 

 cealed weapon which on much less provocation he 

 is quick to employ. He alights upon one of the 

 tiny bells, scarce half the size of his body. Creep- 

 ing down beneath it, he inserts his tongue into the 

 narrow opening. Instantly a copious shower of 

 dust is poured down upon his face and body. But 

 he has been used to it all his life, and by heredity 

 he knows that this is Andromeda's peculiar whim, 



