Tailor and Mason Bees. 33 
in size and form are quite like a small stick of candy, 
though not more than one third as long. These cells I 
have found in the grass, partially buried in the earth, in 
crevices, and in one case knew of their being built in the 
folds of a partially-knit sock, which a good house-wife had 
chanced to leave stationary for some days. These leaf- 
cutters often have yellow hairs underneath their bodies. 
which aid them in carrying pollen. I have noticed them 
each summer for some years swarming on the Virginia 
creeper, often called woodbine, while in blossom, in quest 
of pollen, though I have rarely seen the hive-bee on these 
vines. The tailor-bees often cut the foliage of the same 
vines quite badly. The males of these tailor bees have 
curiously modified, and broadly fringed anterior legs 
(Fig. 3). 
Fic. 3.. 
Anterior Leg of Male Megachile, 
I have often reared beautiful bees of the genera Osmia, 
and Augochlora, which are also -called mason-bees as 
already stated. Their glistening colors of blue and green 
possess a luster and reflection unsurpassed even by 
the metals themselves. These rear their young in cells.of 
mud, in mud-cells lining hollow weeds and shrubs, and in 
burrows which they dig in the hard earth. In early sum- 
mer, during warm days, these glistening gems of life are 
frequently seen in walks and drives intent on gathering 
_earth for mortar, or digging holes, and will hardly escape 
identification by the observing apiarist, as their form is so 
‘much like that of our honey-bees. They are smaller, yet 
their broad head, prominent eyes, and, general form, are 
very like those of the equally quick and active, yet more 
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