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TRANSFORMATIONS OF INSECTS. 
and makes them vertical at first, and afterwards horizontal, and 
carries them on to some depth and distance ; indeed, some of 
the galleries are said to penetrate downwards to the depth of a 
foot. It is a most audacious insect, and it settles upon flowers, 
and pulls them about, and plays with them, as if it did not want 
the metamorphoses of Philanthus cipivorus. 
anything to eat, and had no particular cares; but it is on the 
look out for its prey, and a little patient watching will be rewarded 
by a very curious scene. Presently a bee comes to the flower 
to collect honey and pollen in its usual quiet and business-like 
manner ; the sly Philanthus looks at it, and examines it, to see 
if it is in good condition, and if it is to its taste, rushes upon 
it with great impetuosity, seizes the bee between the head and 
