26 



THE HUMBLE-BEE 



ii 



just before it opens into the cavity containing the 

 lump of pollen and eggs, and is consequently 

 detached from it. 



The completed honey-pot is large and approxi- 

 mately globular, and is capable of holding nearly a 

 thimbleful of honey. Several honey-pots from nests 

 of B. lapidarius that I measured were in. to \ in. 

 high and \ in. to f in. in diameter at the greatest 



Fig. 6. Honey-pot from Nest of 

 Bombus lapidarius, seen from 

 above. Natural size. 



Fig. 7. The same, side view. 



width, but I believe these dimensions are sometimes 

 exceeded. 



The honey-pot is exceedingly delicate and fragile, 

 the wall being thin as well as soft ; but being left 

 undisturbed, it remains water-tight for about a 

 month, which is as long as it is needed. 



The queen re-shapes the mouth of the honey- 

 pot daily according to her requirements. Thus, at 

 night, when the honey-pot is full of honey, the mouth 

 is attenuated and small only about a quarter of an 



