Page 186 - Third Book of Reading Lessons

READING LESSONS. 185
For "Species," see p. 22; "Solitary," p. 95; "Operations," p. 65; "Habitation," p. 135 ; "Material," p. 17 ; "Cement," p. 146; "Pro­ geny," p. 50 ; and "Diameter," p. 65.
1. THERE are several species of bees distinguished by the appellation of solitaTy, because they do not associate, to carry on any joint operations. Of this kind is the mason-bee, so called because it builds a habitation composed of sand and mortar. The nests of this bee are xed to the walls of houses, and when nished, have the appearance of irregular prominen­
ces, arising from dirt or clay, accidentally thrown against a wall or stone by the et of horses. _These prominences are not so remarkable as to attract at­ tention; but when the external coat is removed, their structure is discovered to be truly admirable. The interior part consists of an assemblage of di erent cells, each of which a ords a convenient lodgment to a white worm, pretty similar to those produced by the honey-bee. Here they remain till they have un­ dergone all their metamorphoses. In constructing this nest, which is a work of great abour and dex­ terity, the female is the sole operator. The manner in which the female mason-bees build their nests, is the most curious branch of their history.
2. A er choosing a part of a wall, on ,vhich she is resolved to x a habitation r her ture progeny, she goes in quest of proper material. The nest to ue constructed, must consist of a species of mortar, of which sand is the basis. She knows, like human builders, that every kind of sand is not equally proper
r making good mortar. She goes, there re, to a bed of sand, and selects, grain after grain, the kind which is best to answer her purpose. Vith her teeth, which are as large and as strong as those of the honey-bee, she exam es and brings together 16*