SEARCHING FOR NESTS 85 



around the spot until we have ascertained the exact 

 place (which is likely to be more or less concealed) 

 where the bees go in and out, for the bees know 

 every stalk and blade about the entrance to their 

 nest, and if any of these are disturbed they will be 

 unable to show us the way in. We may now capture 

 a specimen to ascertain the species, and also find 

 out if the nest is underground or on the surface ; in 

 the latter case a gentle patting of the surrounding 

 herbage will elicit a muffled buzzing from it and so 

 reveal its position. Should it not be desired to take 

 the nest at once, its position may be marked by 

 placing a stick in the ground close to it ; or, in the 

 case of a nest in an open bank, a stone or two from 

 the road or field may be placed opposite it. Another 

 good way to remember the location of a nest is to 

 note two prominent objects, one much nearer than 

 the other that it brings into line, this imaginary line 

 being about at right angles to the bank or path 

 near which the nest is situated. 



On calm days I have often discovered nests on 

 the roadside when out driving in my trap while it 

 is going at walking pace up or down hills. An 

 excellent time to find the nests is in the evening 

 when the wind has died down, for the humble- 

 bees keep busy till just before sunset, and in warm 

 weather till dusk. 



Many nests may often be discovered in newly- 

 mown hay-fields, where the bees, having been thrown 

 into confusion by the cutting of the hay, may be 

 seen hovering around the spots endeavouring to 



