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This concise volume covers the natural history of the red mason bee as well as discussing the conservation of pollinating bees in general. The economic importance of pollinating bees is discussed and a convincing case is made for encouraging red mason bees in the garden as 'pollination' pets. They have a very mild sting which is exceedingly rarely used and although they nest in small colonies, they are actually solitary bees; both factors which increase their appeal as garden residents. O'toole describes the 'nester kits' which the Oxford Bee Company have designed to enable people to encourage these bees into the garden.