ply, taking care each time to renew the sealing; and this is continued till their transformation into the nymph state takes place, when the feeding ceases, and the cell is finally closed. And, lastly, we find displayed in different places throughout the nest, and stowed away, as it were, in odd corners, a number of small cups or cells filled with honey. A peculiarity with regard to these deserves notice —they are never sealed like those of the domestic bee, because they are not designed for winter stores of which they have no need, but for daily use.
The cells being prepared for the reception of the brood, the mother proceeds to lay her eggs. These are not fixed on one end, as is the case with those of the domestic bee, but are huddled together without any order, and to the number often, as already stated, of six or seven. This number is deposited at one time by the mother, who does not quit the cell till she has finished her laying. She has good reasons for so doing;—even while in the act of laying, attempts are eagerly made by the workers to seize and devour the eggs, while she as eagerly and courageously protects them. Sometimes she pursues the marauders to the extremity of the comb, while, in the meantime, others, watching the opportunity, steal upon the cell and carry off the eggs. As soon as she has made her deposit, therefore, she carefully seals up the cell, and takes her station on the cover, frequently wheeling her body round, as if to defend her progeny, and doggedly keeping guard for six or eight hours. If she can withstand their voracity for
