HUMBLE BEES THEIR HOUSEKEEPING. 203 



hollow on the surface of the ground, covering it with a 

 low dome of moss, grass, or similar materials. The bee 

 is very careful that all the fibres should be separated so 

 that they may be properly laid, and subjects them to a 

 kind of combing, or " carding " process, drawing them 

 under her body, and passing them through the three 

 pairs of legs. Sometimes, several bees will unite in the 



CARDER BEES. IXTEKIOR OF NEST. 



labour, standing in a row and passing the moss or grass 

 from one to the other. 



The dome is rendered waterproof by an inner coating 

 of dark, coarse wax, and in most cases it is made with 

 such care that it looks just like a tuft of ordinary moss 

 upon the ground. 



