162 INSECT ARTIZANS AND THEIR WORK 



It will be objected, of course, that the wasp's 

 paper is of a very inferior quality and not durable ; 

 but the wasp makes the sort of paper that she 

 requires, just as we do. We require fine writing- 

 paper, printing-paper, packing-papers of various 

 degrees of coarseness, blotting-paper, etc., and we 

 make what we require. If the wasp is going to use 

 her paper where it will have protection from the 

 elements she makes it friable. If it is to stand rain 

 and wind she makes it stronger. 



The wasps' nests we are acquainted with in this 

 country are intended to last a few months only : 

 it would be unfair to accuse her of making tem- 

 porary material where she does not require per- 

 manence. Besides, where occasion requires it the 

 wasp can make tolerably permanent structures of 

 fine card or papier mache that is waterproof and 

 upon which a man can write with a pen. What 

 more can be expected of the wasp as a paper-maker 

 than this ? If she makes materials that suffice 

 for her needs, she does as much as man does for 

 himself. The only difference is that man is never 

 satisfied, but ever wanting something more than 

 his actual necessity demands. 



Like the Honey Bee the Social Wasps (Vespa) 

 are mathematicians. They build their combs with 

 a strict eye to economy of material, and they have 

 adopted the hexagon as best serving this end. But 

 the wasp combs are all single. They have not 

 learned that there is additional economy in building 

 them back to back. Their combs are also built 



