LNSECTS : STINGS AND OVIPOSITOES. 159 



bores in dead twigs by means of these files and lancets. 

 The branches chosen are said to be recognisable by 

 being studded with little oblong elevations, caiised by 

 the partial raising of a splinter of wood at the orifice 

 of the hole, to which it serves as a cover. These are 

 arranged in a single line, the holes which they protect 

 being only half-an-inch in length, and reaching to 

 the pith, whose course they then follow. Not more 

 than six or eight eggs are laid in each hole, but an 

 idea of the labours of the industrious and provident 

 mother will be formed from the fact that each lays 

 six or seven himdred eggs in the course of the sum- 

 mer. 



