2 AUGUST, 1883.--The larva of the Bembex, as I extract it from its burrow, is about half-developed. Around it I find only some scanty relics of its meals, consisting chiefly of Anthrax-wings, half-diaphanous and half-clouded. The mother would appear to have completed the victualling by fresh contributions, added day by day. I give the nurseling, which is an Anthrax-eater, a young Phaneroptera. The Locustid is attacked without hesitation. This profound change in the character of its victuals does not seem in the least to disturb the larva, which bites straight into the rich morsel with its mandibles and does not let go until it has exhausted it. Towards evening the drained carcase is replaced by another, quite fresh, of the same species but bulkier, measuring over three-quarters of an inch. 3 AUGUST.--Next day I find the Phaneroptera devoured. Nothing remains but the dry integuments, which are not dismembered. The entire contents have disappeared; the game has been emptied through a large opening made in the belly. A regular Grasshopper-eater could not have operated more skilfully. I replace the worthless carcase by two small Locustidae. At first the larva does not touch them, being amply sated with the copious meal of the day before. In the afternoon, however, one of the items is resolutely attacked. 4 AUGUST.--I renew the victuals, although those of the day before are not finished. For the rest, I do the same daily, so that my charge may constantly have fresh food at hand. High game might upset its stomach. My Locustidae are not victims at the same time living and inert, operated upon according to the delicate method of the insects that paralyse their prey; they are corpses, procured by a brutal crushing of the head. With the temperature now prevailing, flesh soon becomes tainted; and this compels me frequently to renew the provisions in my sardine-box refectory. Two specimens are served up. One is attacked soon afterwards; and the larva clings to it assiduously. 5 AUGUST.--The ravenous appetite of the start is becoming assuaged. My supplies may well be too generous; and it might be prudent to try a little dieting after this Gargantuan good cheer. The mother certainly is more parsimonious. If all the family were to eat at the same rate as my guest, she would never be able to keep pace with their demands. Therefore, for reasons of health, this is a day of fasting and vigil. 6 AUGUST.--Supplies are renewed with two Phaneropterae. One is consumed entirely; the other is bitten into. 7 August.--To-day's ration is tasted and then abandoned. The larva seems uneasy. With its pointed mouth it explores the walls of its chamber. This sign denotes the approach of the time for making the cocoon.