CHAPTER XVI 



THE HALICTI : THE PORTRESS 



THE home dug by the solitary Bee in early spring remains, 

 when summer comes, the joint inheritance of the members 

 of the family. There were ten cells, or thereabouts, 

 underground. Now from these cells there have issued 

 none but females. This is the rule among the three 

 species of Halicti. They have two generations in each 

 year. That of the spring consists of females only ; that 

 of the summer comprises both males and females, in 

 almost equal numbers. 



The household, therefore, if not reduced by accidents, 

 especially by the famine-producing Gnat, would consist of 

 half-a-score of sisters, nothing but sisters, all equally 

 industrious and all capable of procreating without a 

 nuptial partner. On the other hand, the maternal 

 dwelling is no hovel ; far from it : the entrance-gallery, 

 the principal room of the house, will serve very well, after 

 a few odds and ends of refuse have been swept away. 

 This will be so much gained in time, ever precious to 

 the Bee. The cells at the bottom, the clay cabins, are 

 also nearly intact. To make use of them, it will be 

 enough to freshen up the stucco with the polisher of the 

 tongue. 



Well, which of the survivors, all equally entitled to the 

 succession, will inherit the house ? There are six of 

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