Bramble-bees and Others 



ance of the members of the family. There 

 are 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 that concern us now and 

 probably also among many others, if not all. 

 They have two generations In each year. The 

 spring one consists of females only; the sum- 

 mer one comprises both males and females, in 

 almost equal numbers. We shall return to 

 this curious subject In our next chapter. 



The household, therefore. If not reduced by 

 accidents, above all If not starved by the 

 usurping Gnat, would consist of half-a-score 

 of sisters, none but sisters, all equally indus- 

 trious 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 quite 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 for the 

 Hallctus to polish up the stucco with her 

 tongue. 



400 



