NATURE'S FIRST PAl ER MAKERS 431 



low. The colony has occupied the school-house 

 grounds for at least a half-century, for men who were 

 boys that long ago remembered them well. I fancy 

 that exposure to the raids of destructive boys during 

 all these wasp-genei'ations has not been without eftect 

 upon the insects, for most of the nests are placed well 

 out of reach. Indeed, one wonders that any mother- 

 wasps could be found so far freed from a strain of 

 hereditary caution .as to venture a location within 

 reach of puerile projectiles. 



"It is an interesting sight to observe the worker 

 wasps gathering material for their nests, and it may 

 be seen on any summer day along the lines of fences 

 near the school-house. I have often tried to keep a 

 worker under observation for a prolonged period, but 

 have failed beyond a few consecutive moments. The 

 creature is a perfect embodiment of restless activity. It 

 alights upon a weather-beaten spot, and, bending down- 

 ward its head, plies its strong jaws until a bit of wood 

 is dislodged. Meanwhile, its wings are kept in a state 

 of continual agitation, its abdomen curves and vibrates, 

 and sometimes is turned up at rai angle of 45°. Its legs 

 are incessantly lifted and set down, but stiffened out 

 at the moment of dislodging the wood as they are 

 braced for a strong tug. By the time one has well 

 fixed his eyes upon the jmlpitating creature, it has 

 spread its wings and is away. I follow it at full 

 speed. Once more it alights ; it has struck a good 

 spot for collecting material surely ! — a fine, whitish, 

 weather-worn patch of wood whose fibres are exposed. 



