The Natural History of Selborne 4.33 



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, without settling on them, but keeping 

 constantly on the wing. MARKWICK. 



WILD BEE. 



THERE is a sort of wild bee frequenting the garden campion for 

 the sake of its tomentum, 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. 



There is a remarkable hill on the downs near Lewes in Sussex, 

 known by the name of Mount Carburn, which overlooks that town, 

 and affords a most engaging prospect of all the country round, 

 besides several views of the sea. On the very summit of this 

 exalted promontory, and amidst the trenches of its Danish camp, 

 there haunts a species of wild bee, making its nest in the chalky 

 soil. When people approach the place, these insects begin to be 

 alarmed, and, with a sharp and hostile sound, dash and strike round 

 the heads and faces of intruders. I have often been interrupted 

 myself while contemplating the grandeur of the scenery around me, 

 and have thought myself in danger of being stung. WHITE. 



WASPS. 



WASPS abound in woody wild districts far from neighbourhoods ; 

 they feed on flowers, and catch flies and caterpillars to carry to their 

 young. Wasps make their nests with the raspings of sound timber ; 

 hornets with what they gnaw from decayed : these particles of wood 



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