Mr. J. H. Hart on the Habits of a Species o/Trigona. 327 



At the end of my paper I will add a few words of thanks. 



In the first place, I am most deeply indebted to Prof. G. 

 Born, Prosector to the Royal Anatomical School of Breslau 

 and Director of the Embryological Section. It was he who 

 first induced me to undertake these exceedingly interesting 

 and instructive studies, he initiated me into the always 

 difficult technique which work of this kind demands, and he 

 assisted me by word and deed wherever he could, shunning no 

 trouble and no expense. In return for his extraordinary 

 amiability and self-sacrificing care I trust I may be permitted 

 once more to express here my heartiest thanks to Prof. Born. 



I am likewise under very special obligations to Prof. Hasse, 

 Director of the Royal Anatomical School of Breslau, for the 

 permission which he most readily accorded to me to work in 

 the Embryological Laboratory of the School. 



Lastly, my best thanks are due to Dr. A. Fleischmann, of 

 Erlangen, who drew my attention to a series of highly 

 remarkable facts, introduced me to the palEeontological litera- 

 ture of the subject, and furnished me with very valuable 

 statements and observations for my memoir. 



LIII. — On the Habits of a 82Jecies o/'Trigona. 

 By J. H. Hart, F.L.S., Royal Botanic Gardens, Trinidad. 



Among the several species of Trigona^ or " wild bees/' which 

 are common in Trinidad none is more interesting in its habits 

 than a peculiar small dark species which is often found in the 

 proximity of dwelling-houses, under slates, or in crevices of 

 the woodwork of out-buildings. 



The specific name of the insect has not been ascertained, 

 but it has been found that it belongs to the genus Trigona. 

 It was first observed in 1887 in the walls of a dwelling-house, 

 owing to its building a peculiar entrance-tube. This tube 

 was about f of an inch in diameter, about 4 inches long, with 

 the entrance at the bottom, through a small hole in the 

 centre of the wax disk which closes it. 



When the office of the Royal Botanic Gardens was under 

 repair quite recently the same species was discovered making- 

 its home between two walls. 



An attempt was made to house them, and a small box 

 prepared, with a small cut for entrance allowed, in a similar 

 manner to that usually seen in the common bee-hivej viz. at 

 the base. The bees took to the box and commenced work j 



