How Animals Work. 



deposited in each, and carefully sealed. Each cell is 

 methodically completed before a second is attempted. 



And now the little Mason Bee must begin her final 

 labours, for although each cell is completed and sealed, 

 its walls are not sufficiently thick to withstand rough 

 weather. The burning heat of the midsummer sun 

 would convert each cell into a miniature oven, while 

 the rains of autumn and the frosts of winter would 

 disintegrate its walls. So, when all the cells are com- 

 pleted, the little Mason sets to work to build a thick, 

 substantial cover over the whole group a cover which 

 shall be practically a non-conductor of heat or cold, 

 and impermeable to moisture, so that all is snug and 

 dry within." Layer upon layer of cement is plastered 

 on until a thick dome, about as big as half an orange, 

 encloses the group of cells and hides them from view. 

 No care is taken to smooth or decorate the outside of 

 the dome, so that, but for its oval shape, the nest looks 

 like a clod of mud. Nor is this rough, unfinished 

 exterior unintentional, or a sign that the little Mason 

 had grown careless as her labours reached their final 

 completion, for that rugged exterior helps to hide the 

 precious contents from the sight of many foes. 



As the months slip by, what is happening beneath 

 that plastered dome ? From the single egg laid in 

 each cell a tiny grub or larva comes forth, feasts 

 upon the mass of honey paste provided for its sus- 

 tenance, and when all is devoured spins for itself 

 a silken lining to the walls of its chamber, a cocoon 

 in which to pass through its final transformations. 

 And now, their metamorphosis completed, the adult 

 bees reddish-coloured males and black females are 



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