200 THE MARVEL OF INSECT LIFE. 



generally causes a sudden jerk, the barbed weapon 

 cannot be withdrawn, and the whole apparatus of sting, 

 poison-bag, and glands is torn out of the insect, thereby 

 causing its death. 



Three distinct groups of Humble Bee exist in this 

 country, namely, the Meadow Bees, which make their 

 nests underground the Carder Bees, which build on the 

 surface of the earth ; and the Stone Bees, which choose 

 their habitations in the clefts of rocks, stone-heaps, and 

 similar situations. 



The two former of these bees may be watched with 

 perfect safety, as they seldom use their stings, even 

 when their homes are invaded. But it will be as well to 

 let the Stone Bee alone. This insect will dash at any 

 one who ventures near its stronghold, and if he runs 

 away, will chase him for a considerable distance. Its 

 sting is thought to be as severe as that of the hornet. 



These wild Social Bees all set about housekeeping in 

 much the same way. A female, or " queen," has been 

 hidden throughout the winter in some sheltered spot, 

 and when the warm spring days come, she emerges 

 from her concealment, and flies about in search of a 

 home. 



The Wood Humble Bee almost invariably chooses the 

 deserted burrow of a mouse, enlarges and smoothes the 

 extremity of it, and then begins her nest. She provides 

 a store of food, deposits her eggs, makes some rude cells 

 and feeds the young until they are ready to change into 

 pup*. Each larva then spins for itself an oval cocoon, 



