Insecta. 49 



All dirt and rubbish are carefully removed, the hive being 

 a model of neatness. 



In warm weather a number of workers may be observed 

 stationed at the entrance, fanning vigorously with their 

 wings ; they do this to ventilate the hive. 



Bumblebees. The queen is the only one of a colony that lives 

 over the winter. Selecting some convenient place for a nest, usually an 

 old nest of a field mouse, she gathers a mass of pollen and lays some 

 eggs upon it. As the eggs hatch out the larvae eat into the pollen, and 

 when fully developed spin silken cocoons for themselves. After these 

 cocoons have served as cradles they are strengthened with wax and 

 used for storing honey. Every country boy has robbed the nests of the 

 bumblebee ; he likes the honey and is willing to pay the price for it. 

 Nearly the whole colony of bumblebees may be captured by pouring 

 water into the nest, which renders them unable to fly ; or if a jug partly 

 filled with water be set near the nest, when they are disturbed they 

 usually enter the jug, and, getting into the water, are easily taken ; or 

 the whole colony may be chloroformed. Being larger than the honey- 

 bee, they offer some advantages for study. 



Other Bees. The honeybees and bumblebees are called social bees 

 in distinction from other kinds of bees that lead a solitary life. Among 

 the solitary bees is the carpenter bee, that tunnels into wood, sometimes 

 a foot or more. Some bees cut out circular pieces of leaves with which 

 to line their holes. Others dig holes in the ground ; some mine into 

 the sides of banks, one group of the mining bees being called the 

 " short-tongued " bees. There are also several parasitic bees. 



Wasps. As with the bees, some of the wasps are social, while 

 others are solitary. In colonies there are three kinds of individuals, 

 males, females, and workers, all winged. The wings, unlike those of 

 bees, are folded into plaits, as in a fan. They build nests either in the 

 ground or on trees and buildings. Nearly everybody has seen the 

 large nests suspended from trees, about the size and shape of a football ; 

 and perhaps many have vivid recollections of the warm reception they 

 received when they knocked abruptly at the door of this lively commu- 

 nity. The hornet, or yellow jacket, need not be described to a country 

 lad. " Eternal enmity 1 ' is sworn between them, and each knows there 

 is no use of showing a white flag. Still, the skillful teacher may capture 



