The Osmiae 



their retreats in the crevices of the old walls; 

 should the north-wind blow and set the al- 

 mond-tree shivering, they will hasten to re- 

 turn to them. Hail to you, O my dear 

 Osmiae, who yearly, from the far end of the 

 harmas, opposite snow-capped Ventoux, bring 

 me the first tidings of the awakening of the 

 insect world! I am one of your friends; let 

 us talk about you a little. 



Most of the Osmiae of my region have 

 none of the industry of their kinswomen of 

 the brambles, that is to say, they do not them- 

 selves prepare the dwelling destined for the 

 laying. They want ready-made lodgings, such 

 as the old cells and old galleries of Antho- 

 phorcc and Chalicodomae, If these favourite 

 haunts are lacking, then a hiding-place in the 

 wall, a round hole in some bit of wood, the 

 tube of a reed, the spiral of a dead Snail under 

 a heap of stones are adopted, according to the 

 tastes of the several species. The retreat se- 

 lected is divided into chambers by partition- 

 walls, after which the entrance to the dwell- 

 ing receives a massive seal. That is the sum 

 total of the building done. 



For this plasterer's rather than mason's 

 work, the Horned and the Thrcc-horncd Os- 



53 



