A QUEER LITTLE FAMILY ON THE BITTERSWEET 99 



ball of glistening froth at the tip of the ovipositor. 

 This was attached to the bark by a touch, and 

 from this starting-point the construction of the 

 glistening house was continued, the apex of the 

 ovipositor pouring out its endless puffy roll of 

 aerated cement, which seemed to set as soon as 

 laid. 



And what a convenient implement this for a 

 froth-house builder who is compelled to work be- 

 hind her back — mortar-feeder, trowel, darby, com- 

 pass, and level all in one ! Beginning with the 

 first touch of the cement, the flowing point de- 

 scribes a very small half-circle to the right, again 

 meeting the bark. It is now carried inward and 

 upward, describing a very close circle with scarce- 

 ly any space intervening, a similar circle being re- 

 peated on the left side. A new tier is then be- 

 gun in the same manner, only this time a little 

 larger in the sweep, and leaving a perceptible 

 opening at the right as the central wall is carried 

 upward with slightly decreased material. Re- 

 turning down the central wall again, the white 

 coil is carried to the left along the bark, and up 

 again on the other outer edge, until it once more 

 meets its fellow at the ridge-pole, where the two 

 coils appear to interlock as in a braid. And thus 

 the little builder continues, enlarging the cavity 



