172 LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 



common in our bee-hives, for the reception of 

 its honey, it is contained in waxen bags of a 

 deep violet color, about the size of a pigeon's 

 egg. These bags hang in clusters like a bunch 

 of grapes. Another kind, found in Brazil, makes 

 its nest in trees. These nests are about two feet 

 in diameter, and the outside is composed of hard 

 clay ; but in these the cells are arranged very 

 much like those in our bee hives, and contain 

 an abundance of honey. 



Other species form their nests somewhat in 

 the shape of a sugar-loaf, and suspend them from 

 trees, instead of placing them in a hollow. The 

 honey collected by these bees is said to be the 

 finest in the world. They are common in Yu- 

 catan. 



Wild bees also abound in Africa, and the na- 

 tives are assisted in finding their nests by means 

 of a little bird, which, from this circumstance, 

 has been called the Honey Guide. 



The Honey Guide seems to be aware that it 

 is not powerful enough to overcome a whole 

 swarm of bees, and feeling a strong desire for a 

 portion of their honey, it invites the assistance 

 of man. For this purpose, it flits from tree to 



