The AminophilcE 233 



rakes and the mandibles do duty as mining- 

 tools. When some grain of sand offers too much 

 resistance to its removal, you hear rising from 

 the bottom of the well, as though to give voice 

 to the insect's efforts, a sort of shrill grating 

 sound produced by the quivering of the wings 

 and of the whole body. At frequent intervals 

 the Wasp appears in the open with a load of 

 refuse in her teeth, some bit of gravel which 

 she flies away with and drops at a distance of a 

 few inches, so as not to litter the place. Of the 

 grains extracted some appear to deserve special 

 attention, owing to their shape and size ; at 

 least, the Ammophila does not treat them as she 

 does the rest : instead of flying off and drop- 

 ping them far from the work-yard, she removes 

 them on foot and lays them near the well. 

 These are picked materials, ready-made blocks 

 of stone which will serve presently for closing 

 the dwelling. 



This outside work is performed with measured 

 movements and solemn diligence. The insect 

 stands high on its legs, with its abdomen 

 stretched at the end of its long pedicle, and 

 turns round slowly, pivoting its whole body 

 stiffly, with the geometrical rigidity of a line 

 revolving on itself. If it wishes to fling to a 

 distance the rubbish which it thinks will be in 

 the way, it does so in short silent flights, often 



