GENERAL HISTORY OF BEES.

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clothing of-ithe perfect insect display themselves throughitts pellucid envelope. When arrived at perfect matu-rity, and ready to commence the part it has to performiin the economy of nature, it bursts its cerements, mak-iing its way through the dorsal covering of its silkensikin, and, leaving the exuviae behind, it crawls forthfirom its dormitory, when, becoming invigorated by theInracing air and the genial sunshine, it stretches its legssand expands its wings, and flies forth jubilant, rejoicingiin its awakened faculties.

The Imago .—The bee having attained its majority,Hoses no time in quitting the confined abode wherein itJhas been hitherto secluded. It comes forth prepared toundertake the cares, and meet the vicissitudes of exist-ence. The new life that now opens to it is one appa-rently teeming exuberantly with every delight. Itdwells in sunshine and amidst flowers ; it revels in theirsweets, attracted by their beautiful colours and theirdelightful odours ; and the consummation of its bliss isto find a congenial partner. With him it enjoys a briefconnubial transport, but which is speedily succeeded bylife-long labour, for the cares of maternity immediatelysupervene.

I believe the wild bees are not polyandrous, and there-fore many males, if there be any preponderating dis-crepancy in favour of that sex, must die celibate. Butthe fact of finding the males associated together in greatnumbers upon the same flowers or hedges, is certainlynot conclusive of this being the case. To provide afitting receptacle, furnished' with suitable provision, forits future progeny, occupies all the subsequent solicitudeof the female.

As frequent reference will hereafter be made to