A HUMBLE-BEE HOUSE 97 



having the nest sections no larger than the size of 

 the comb, so that there are no large spaces in their 

 corners where excrement can be deposited, and, at 

 the same time, placing a vestibule, consisting of a 

 box containing a little fine earth, between the nest 

 and the entrance tube. The excrement is then 

 ejected on to the earth, chiefly in the corners of the 

 vestibule that are farthest from the nest ; and at 

 intervals the soiled earth may be removed and 

 replaced by fresh earth. In this way a humble- 

 bee's nest is not more difficult to keep clean than 

 a bird-cage in fact less so, for the earth need not 

 be renewed oftener than once a week. The clean- 

 ing of the vestibule is only for one's own comfort, 

 for the humble-bees do not suffer if it is left un- 

 cleaned. A sheet of glass covers the vestibule. 



To prevent the humble-bees from lifting the 

 sheets of glass covering the vestibule and nest, I 

 place over each glass a piece of tile weighing about 

 half-a-pound, with a square of felt under it. The 

 tile and felt also help to conserve heat, and, in 

 addition, keep out light, which the humble-bees 

 dislike in their dwelling, although, like honey-bees, 

 they soon become accustomed to it. 



The best way to stock the house is to get the 

 nests started out-of-doors under Sladen wooden 

 covers (see p. 109), and then as soon as the first 

 workers have emerged, to place them in the start- 

 ing sections, feeding them for a few days until they 

 can support themselves. Colonies of lapidarius, 

 which is the species most likely to nest under the 



H 



