This is the colony of the Osmiae, those exceedingly pretty solitary bees, with their copper-coloured skin and bright-red fleece.

Two species have come hurrying up to take part in the joys of the almond-tree: first, the Horned Osmia, clad in black velvet on the head and breast, with red velvet on the abdomen; and, a little later, the Three-horned Osmia, whose livery must be red and red only.

These are the first delegates despatched by the pollen-gleaners to ascertain the state of the season and attend the festival of the early blooms.
'Tis but a moment since they burst their cocoon, the winter abode: they have left their retreats in the crevices of the old walls; should the north wind blow and set the almond-tree shivering, they will hasten to return to them.

Hail to you, O my dear Osmiae, who yearly, from the far end of the harmas, opposite snow-capped Ventoux (A mountain in the Provencal Alps, near Carpentras and Serignan 6,271 feet .-- Translator's Note.), bring me the first tidings of the awakening of the insect world! I am one of your friends; let us talk about you a little.
Most of the Osmiae of my region do not themselves prepare the dwelling destined for the laying.

They want ready-made lodgings, such as the old cells and old galleries of Anthophorae and Chalicodomae.