LETTERS FROM ALABAMA. 
245 
anterior and middle-legs and feet, the posterior 
pair being extended behind as usual during flight. 
The accompanying engravingrepresents this species 
carrying a spider to its nest. 
When the first cell is stocked, it is closed up by 
a transverse partition of mud, and the thimble goes 
on increasing in length as before ; when finished 
one will contain three or even four cells ; and then 
a new one is commenced adjoining to and parallel 
with it. In both this and the other species, I 
believe the inclosed grub eats only the abdomens 
of the spiders (which are so stung as to be helpless 
but not dead); as the cephalo-thorax and legs 
of each may generally be found afterwards in the 
cell. 
This species of Pelopceus seems to be undescribed. 
It is distinguished by having the first segment of 
the abdomen gradually thickened, and furnished 
on its under surface with a curious spur-like ap- 
pendage. 
The great profusion of insects which has struck 
me hitherto as so remarkable has begun to subside ; 
many species that were common have either become 
scarce or have altogether disappeared, while those 
that have come into season are comparatively few. 
Still, however, in favourable spots and in fine 
weather, the air is still gay with these beautiful 
beings. The good housewives are now drying 
their peaches for winter store. The fruit is pared, 
stoned, and sliced, like apples for a tart, and the 
pieces are spread on cloths to dry in the sun, and 
then strung on threads and suspended in a dry 
room. The saccharine juices of the drying fruit 
attract many day-flying insects, and among others 
gorgeous butterflies congregate to suck the tempting 
