HISTORY OF INSECTS. 39 



which might penetrate it, and, getting into the 

 nest, destroy the young maggots, she uses first 

 the fine sand, as before, and then adds a layer of 

 larger grains. 



119. Alighting on a gravel path, she selects a 

 grain suited to her purpose, carries it to her nest, 

 holding it in her mandibles, moves it about to 

 find where it will fit best, and, covering it with 

 saliva, presses it into its place, and flies off for 

 another and another, till the aperture is securely 

 closed, and her labour done: she has provided for 

 the continuance of her race; and, with her care, 

 ends also her life. 



