1 64 The Bee People. 



The bumble-bees do not live in hives, 

 and they do not store up honey in beau- 

 tiful waxen combs. 



Generally they have a nest in the ground, 

 though sometimes they choose a woodpile, 

 or other convenient place. 



Bumble-bee nests are often found in 

 haying time. When the grass is being 

 cut the horses step on the nests, when out 

 fly the angry bees and sting the horses and 

 the men and boys. 



Sometimes there are so many bees' nests in 

 a meadow that it is difficult to get the hay. 



Madam Bombus makes her nest in a hol- 

 low in the ground under a tuft of grass, 

 and it is so near the surface that one could 

 easily dig it out with the fingers, if it were 

 not for Madam Bombus herself. 



Put your fingers into her nest and see 

 what she will do. 



She will sting you on the nose for one 

 thing. She seems fond of stinging people 

 on the nose. 



