220 THE LIFE AND LOVE OF THE INSECT 



When the victualHng is finished, when the Halicti no 

 longer sally forth on harvesting intent nor return all 

 floured over with their burden, the old Bee is still at her 

 post, as vigilant as ever. The final preparations for the 

 brood are made below ; the cells are closed. The door is 

 kept until everything is finished. Then grandmother and 

 mothers leave the house. Exhausted by the performance 

 of their duty, they go, somewhere or other, to die. 



In September appears the second generation, comprising 

 both males and females. 



