A NEST IN MY STUDY 239 



increased to twelve, and the weather having some- 

 what improved, I decided to leave the nest where it 

 stood on its table in the study, and to let the workers 

 fly in and out through the open window. 



Although this window occupied but one-fourth 

 of the windowed area of the room, and was opened 

 only at the top to an extent of about one-third of its 

 height, the workers seldom flew against the glass. 

 The window was closed in the evening when all the 

 bees had returned, about 7-30 p.m., but earlier on 

 cold days, and later on very warm ones. The nest, 

 which was provided with an earth-floored vestibule, 

 was shut up at the same time. Next morning 

 about 8.0, if the weather seemed promising, the 

 nest and window were opened, but if there was a 

 high wind the bees were kept confined to their 

 quarters, and when necessary were fed. The colony 

 flourished well, barring an accident to be mentioned 

 later, and in August, when the weather grew warmer, 

 it became entirely self-supporting, and reared a 

 number of males and queens. No doubt it would 

 have done still better if the opening in the window 

 had been nearer the ground it was 8 feet above 

 it, for in a gale of wind it was only by exercising 

 great skill that the workers were able to steer in, 

 and many must have got battered and lost. It was 

 surprising how well they found their way in the 

 subdued light of the room. Sitting at my desk I 

 was almost in their line of flight, but they never 

 molested me. 



Of course it was very easy and pleasant to make 



