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CHAPTER VII.
BURROWING INSECTS.
HYMENOPTERA,
The SAUBA ANT and its Habitation-Use of the "parasol" leaves—Mr. Bates'
account of the insect-Enormous extent of the Dwelling-The DUSKY ANT-
Its Strength and Perseverance-Man and Insect contrasted-The BROWN ANT
-Form of its Habitation-Regulation of Temperature-Necessity of Moisture
-How the Ant constructs Ceilings-Mining Bees-The ANDRENA and its
burrowing Powers-The EUCERA-Its Habitation and curious method of libe-
rating the Antennæ-The ScOLIA, its Burrows and its Prey-The INDIAN
SPHEX and its Ingenuity-The MELLINUS and OXYBELUS-Curious method of
Catching Prey-The PHILANTHUS, its Burrow, and the Food of its Young-
The HUMBLE BEE-Its general Habits-Locality of its Dwelling-Development
of the Young-The LAPIDARY BEE, its Colours, Disposition and Habits-The
WASP-Its food and Habitation-Materials and Architecture of the Nest-Dis-
position, Form, and Number of the Cells-Biography of a Queen Wasp, and
History of her Nest-Other British Wasps and their Homes-The MONEDULA
and its Prey-Boldness of the insect, and its uses to Travellers-The BEMBEX-
Its energetic Habits, its Food, and Mode of Storing the Nest
120
CHAPTER VIII.
BURROWING BEETLES.
The TIGER BEETLE, and its habits-Beauty of the Insect, its Larva, and mode of
life-Curious form of its Burrow-The SEXTON BEETLE and its power of
digging in the ground-The DOR BEETLE its polished surface, and the sub-
tances into which it Burrows-Uses of the Dor Beetle-The SCARABEUS of
Egypt and its wonderful Instincts-The Egg, the Grub, and the Cocoon-
ocoon in the British Museum-The MOLE CRICKET, its form and elaborate
Dwelling-Its general Habits, and wide distribution. The FIELD CRICKET,
and its Tunnels—Structure of the Ovipositor-The MIGRATORY LOCUST and its
development-The ANT LION, its form, food, and mode of life -The pitfall and
its structure-Mode of catching Prey-Perfect form of the Ant Lion. 151
CHAPTER IX.
WOOD-BORING INSECTS.
BEETLES-The usual form of the Wood-borers-The SCOLYTUS and its ravages-
Mode of forming the Tunnels-Curious instinct - Theories respecting the
Scolytus-Worm-eaten Furniture, its cause, and the best method of checking
the Boring Insects-Ginger and Cork-borers-The "Petrified" Man-The
MEAL-WORM and its ravages-Weevils-The PALM-WEEVIL of Jamaica-Its
development and uses as an edible-Its Cocoons-The WASP-BEETLE, its
shape, colours, and tunnelling powers-The MUSK BEETLE-Its beauty and
fragrance-Difficulty of detecting the Musk-Beetle-Its Burrows and their in-
mates-The RHAGIUM and its Cocoon-The HARLEQUIN BEETLE-Wood-boring
Bees-WILLOW-BEE, its tunnel and mode of making the Cells-Food of the
Young-The POPPY BEE-The PITH-BORING BEES and their Habits-Structure
of the cells and escape of the Young-Economy of labour-Shell-nests of Bees
-Wonderful adaptation to circumstances-How the Bee burrows-The HOOP-
SHAVER-BEE-Gilbert White's description of its habits-The SIREX and its
Burrow-Its ravages among fig-trees-Formidable aspect of the insect-The
two British species-CARPENTER BEE-Mode of making its burrow-Method-
ical labour-Food of the Young-How to make a Ceiling-Number of cells in
each burrow-The Carpenter Bee of Australia-The PELOPEUS as a Wood-borer
-Its tunnel, and mode of making cells-The SAPERDA-Damage caused to
aspen and other trees-A useful parasite-The Goat Moth-Wood Leopard
Moth-Clear-wings and Honey-comb Moths
167
CHAPTER X.
PENSILE MAMMALIA.
THE HARVEST MOUSE-Its appearance-Reason for its name-Mouse nests-
Home of the Harvest Mouse-A curious problem-Food of the Harvest Mouse,
and its agility-The SQUIRREL-Its summer and winter " 'cage'
e"-Boldness of
the Squirrel-Materials for the nest, and their arrangement.
CHAPTER XI.
PENSILE BIRDS.
194
WEAVER BIRDS and their general habits-RED-BILLED WEAVER BIRD-Its
bovine friends-Its use to the buffalo-Other parasitic birds-The SPOTTED-
BACKED WEAVER BIRD-Its nest, and variable method of construction-The
MAHALI WEAVER BIRD-Shape of the nest-Singular defence-Theories
respecting the structure-Habits of the bird-Remarkable nests of Weavers-
Account of Weavers engaged in nest-building-Very curious contrivance-The
GOLD-CAPPED WEAVER-Structure and situation of the nest-The TAHA
WEAVER BIRD-Locality selected for its nest-Destructiveness to crops-The
PALM SWIFT- Its general habits-The nest and its variable structure-Silk-
cotton-The TAILOR BIRD-Antiquity of handicrafts-Structure of the nest-
The FAN-TAILED WARBLER-Singular method of fixing its nest-The PENDULINE
TITMOUSE-It habits and food-Remarkable nest and its form."
CHAPTER XII.
PENSILE BIRDS (CONTINUED).
199
Australian Pensiles-The YELLOW-THROATED SERICORNIS-Its habits-Singular
position for its nest-Conscious security-The ROCK WARBLER-Shape and
locality of its nest-The YELLOW-TAILED ACANTHIZA-Its colour and song-
Supplementary nests-The PINC-PINC and its home-Supposed use of the sup
plementary nest-The SINGING HONEY-EATER and its nest-The Myall or
weeping acacia-Various materials-The LUNULATED HONEY-EATER-A new
material-The PAINTED HONEY-EATER, its habits and nest-The art of preser-
vation-Nests and their branches-The colour of eggs-The WHITE-THROATED
HONEY-EATER and its habits-Its curious nest-Locality of the nest-The
GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN, and the resemblance of its nest to those of the
Honey-eater-The SWALLOW DICEUM-Its song and beauty of its plumage-
The nest, its materials, form, and position-The MALURUS and its nest-The
HAMMOCK BIRD-Singular method of suspending the nest-The WHITE-SHAFTED
FANTAIL-Strange form of the nest-The appendage or tail of the nest. 213
CHAPTER XIII.
American Pensile Birds-Humming Birds, and the general structure of their
nests The LITTLE HERMIT, its colour, habits, and nest-The GREY-THROATED
HERMIT and its hardihood-The PIGMY HERMIT and its seed-nest-The LONG-
TAILED HUMMING BIRD-Mode of building its nest-The WHITE-SIDED HILL
STAR-Curious method of suspending its nest-The SAPPHO COMET-The
CHIMBORAZIAN HILL STAR-Curious locality-Its habits, food, and nest-The
SAWBILL and its singular nest-Habits of the Sawbill-The BRAZILIAN
WOOD NYMPH-Use made of its plumage and its nest-The RUBY AND TOPAZ
HUMMING BIRD-Stuffed Skins-The AZURE CREBA, its colour, nest, and
habits-The BALTIMORE ORIOLF-Reason for its name-Its beautiful nest,
and curious choice of materials-Familiarity of the Baltimore Oriole-The
ORCHARD ORIOLE or BOB-O'-LINK-Various forms of nest-Why called
Orchard Oriole-The CRESTED CASSIQUE, its size, form, and colours-Its re-
markable nest-Difficulty of obtaining nests-The GREAT CRESTED FLY-
CATCHER, and its use of serpent sloughs-The RED-EYED FLYCATCHER, WHIP-
TOM-KELLY-Low elevation of its nest-The WHITE-EYED FLYCATCHER, its
nest, and fondness for the prickly vine-The PRAIRIE WARBLER, its habits and
nest-The PINE-CREEPING WARBLER-The Asiatic pensiles-The BAYA
SPARROW-Its colour and social habits-Singular form of the nest. . 229
CHAPTER XIV.
PENSILE INSECTS.
The Hymenoptera-Australian Insects-The CREMATOGASTER and NEGRO-HEAD
-The GREEN ANT, its habits and nest-An African species-Pensile Ants of
America-The ABISPA, and its remarkable nest-Ingenious entrance-The
TATUA, or DUTCHMAN'S PIPE-Structure and shape of its nest-Firmness of
the walls-Average number of cells in each tier-The Common WASP as a
Pensile insect-Gigantic nest-Union of three colonies-Character of the
Wasp The NORWEGIAN WASP-Structure and locality of its nest-Classi-
fication of the Wasps-The CAMPANULAR WASP and the NORTHERN Wasp—
The CHARTERGUS or PASTEBOARD WASP-Mode by which the nest is suspended
-Method of structure-Meaning of the name-Enormous nest from Ceylon--
Various Wasp nests-The POLISTES as a Pensile Insect-Singular nest in the
British Museum-The GIBBOUS ANT-Honey Wasps, the general characteristics
of their nests-The MYRAPETRA-Its singular nest-Structure of the walls
and use of the projections-The NECTARINIA-Why so called-Locality of
the nest-Size of the insect-The TRIGONA and its nest-Ichneumon Flies-
Different species of MICROGASTER, and their habitations-The PERILITUS-
Weevils-Beautiful Cocoon of Cionus-The EMPEROR MотH and its home-
The ATLAS MOTH and other silk producèrs—The HOUSEBUILDER MOTн and its
movable Dwelling-The TIGER MOTH and its Hammock-The BURNET MOTHS
and their curious omes-The DRINKER MOTH, its cocoon and insect foes-The
OAK-EGGER MOTH-Method of killing insects-Cocoon of the Oak-egger-
Origin of its name-The LITTLE EGGER MOTH-Air-holes-Nests discovered by
Mr. Bates-The CYPRESS SPURGE MOTH-Various leaf-rollers Suspended
Cocoon-LEAF-BURROWERS and their homes-The SPIDER
251
CHAPTER XV.
BUILDERS.
Building Mammalia-Definition of the title-Inferiority of the mammalia as
architects The BRUSH-TAILED BETTONG-Its structure and colour-The Nest
of the Bettong, and its adaptation to the locality-Singular method of convey-
ing materials-Its nocturnal habits-The RABBIT-EARED BANDICOOT, and its
habitat-The generic title-Curious form of the ears and feet-Difficulty in
discovering its nest-The MusQUASH or ONDATRA-Its general habits-Its
burrowing powers, and extent of its tunnels-The Musquash as a builder-
Form and size of its house-Mode of killing the animal by spear, gun, and trap
-Its flesh and fur
305
CHAPTER XVI.
BUILDING BIRDS.
THE OVEN BIRD and its place in ornithology-Its general habits-Nest of the
Oven Bird-Curious materials and historical parallel-The specimens in the
British Museum- The internal architecture of the nest-Division into
chambers-The PIED GRALLINA-The specimens at the Zoological Gardens-
Materials and form of the nest-Boldness of the bird-The SONG THRUSH and
its nest-The BLACKBIRD and its clay-lined nests-Supposed reasons for the
lining-The FAIRY MARTIN-Locality, shape, and materials of the nest-
Social habits of the bird-How the nest is built-The RUFOUS-NECKED SWALLOW
-Locality and abundance of its nests-Curious habit of the bird-Audubon's
account-The RUFOUS-BELLIED SWALLOW-Supplementary nest-How the bird
builds-Popular superstition and its uses-The HOUSE MARTIN-Material of its
nest-Favourite localities-Ingenuity of the Martin-Adaptation to circum-
stances-Parasitic intruders, their number, dimensions, and tenacity of life-
The SWALLOW-Distinction between its nest and that of the Martin-Why
called the Chimney Swallow-TALLEGALLA, or BRUSH TURKEY-The illustra
tion explained-Various names of the Bird-Its singular and enormous nest-
How the eggs are laid and hatched-Egress of the young-Remarkable instinct.
AUSTRALIAN JUNGLE FOWL-Shape, size, and position of its nests-How the
eggs are discovered-LEIPOA or NATIVE PHEASANT-Its mound-nest, and
general habits
310
CHAPTER XVII.
BUILDING BIRDS (CONTINUED).
Nesting of the Hornbills-Dr. Livingstone's account of the KORWÉ, or RED-
BREASTED HORNBILL-THE LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE-Its general habits-Its
use to the gardener-Number of the young-Form and materials of the nest-
Localities chosen by the bird-How to prepare the fragile eggs-The MAGPIE
-Its domed and fortified nest-The common WREN and its nest-Pseudo-nests
and their probable origin-The HOUSE WREN of America-Its habits and mode
of nesting-Wilson's account of the bird-Its usefulness and quarrelsome nature
-The LYRE BIRD-Origin of its name-Its domed nest-The ALBERT'S LYRE
BIRD and its habits-The Bower BIRD-Why so called-Civilization and
social amusement-The remarkable bower-Its materials and mode of con-
struction-Use to which it is put-The Bower Birds in the Zoological Gardens,
and their habits-Love of ornament-Meaning of the scientific name-The
SPOTTED BOWER BIRD of New South Wales-Its bower-Description of the
birds and their place in the present system
326
CHAPTER XVIII.
BUILDING INSECTS.
The TERMITE, or WHITE ANT-General habits of the insect-African Termite
and their homes-Terinites as articles of food-Indian Termites-Account of
their proceedings-American Termites-Mr. Bates' account of their habits-
European Termites—Their ravages in France and Spain-M. de Quatrefages and
his history of the Termites of Rochefort and La Rochelle-The EUMENES and
its mud-built nest-The TRYPOXYLON of South America-The PELOPEUS and
its curious nest-The MUD-DAUBER WASP-Mr. Goss's account of its habits-
-The MELIPONA of America-Mr. Stone's Wasp nests and their history-
Difference of material-The FORAGING ANTS of South America and their
various species-Nests and habits of the Foraging Ants-The AGRICULTURAL
ANT of Texas-Dr. Lincecum's accounts of its habits.
343
CHAPTER XIX.
SUB-AQUATIC NESTS. VERTEBRATES.
Fishes as architects-The STICKLEBACKS and their general habits-The FRESH-
WATER STICKLEBACKS-A jealous proprietor-Punishment of trespassers-
Form and materials of the nest-Use of the nest-Cannibalistic propensities-
The FIFTEEN-SPINED STICKLEBACK, and its form-Its curious nest-Mr.
Couch's description of a nest in a rope's end-Fishes of Guiana-The HASSAR
or HARDBACK, and its place in zoology-Nest of the Hassar-Parental watch-
fulness-Singular position of the nest-Habits of the Hassar
373