Bramble-bees and Others 



croaching one upon the other, and all the al- 

 leys of the little township, which, owing to 

 landslips of fresh rubbish, alter In appearance 

 from one day to the next. Her hesitation is 

 manifest, for she often blunders and alights 

 at the entrance to a burrow that is not hers. 

 The mistake Is at once perceived from the 

 slight indications of the doorway. 



The search is resumed with the same see- 

 sawing flights, mingled with sudden excursions 

 to a distance. At last, the burrow is recog- 

 nized. The Hallctus dives Into it with a rush; 

 but, however prompt her disappearance un- 

 derground, the Gnat is there, perched on the 

 threshold, with her eyes turned to the en- 

 trance, waiting for the Bee to come out, so 

 that she may visit the honey-jars in her turn. 



When the owner of the house ascends, the 

 other draws back a little, just enough to leave 

 a free passage and no more. Why should 

 she put herself out? The meeting is so peace- 

 ful that, short of further information, one 

 would not suspect that a destroyer and de- 

 stroyed were face to face. Far from being 

 intimidated by the sudden arrival of the Ha- 

 llctus, the Gnat pays hardly any attention ; 

 and, in the same way, the Hallctus takes no 



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