usual round of occupations. The genus _Ammophila_ is of wide distribution, and its species make vertical tunnels in the ground. The habits of some of the species found in France have been described by Fabre. The Insect does not inhabit the burrow while it is in process of formation, but quits it; and some of the species temporarily close the entry to the incomplete nest with a stone. The tunnel is a simple shaft with a single cell at its termination; this is stored with caterpillars, the different species of _Ammophila_ selecting different grubs for the purpose. _A. hirsuta_ hibernates in the perfect state, and carries on its work in the spring; it chooses a single larva of considerable size belonging to one of the nocturnal Lepidoptera, and this it paralyses by a series of about nine stings, of which one is implanted in each segment from the first thoracic ring backwards; it forms the burrow only after the food to be placed therein has been obtained. The caterpillar used is subterranean in habit, and the _Ammophila_ detects the larva by some sense, the nature of which appears at present quite uncertain. _A. holosericea_ chooses smaller larvae of the family Geometridae, and uses only one or two stingings to paralyse each larva; several caterpillars are used to provision a single cell, and they are often selected of different colours. Marchal has also published an important account of the proceedings of _A. affinis_; he confirms Fabre's observations, and even adds to their interest by suggesting that the _Ammophila_ administers special stings for the purpose of paralysing the mandibles of the caterpillar and depriving it of any power of afterwards injuring the larva that will feed on it. He thinks the mother-_Ammophila_ herself profits by appropriating an exudation from the victim.