COMMON WASPS 



him the little that I know. So delightful are our nights 

 of Wasp-hunting that we think little of the loss of sleep 

 or the chance of being stung I 



The pushing of the reed into the hole is the most 

 delicate matter. Since the direction of the passage is 

 unknown there is some hesitation, and sometimes sentries 

 come flying out of the Wasp's guard-house to attack the 

 operator's hand. To prevent this one of us keeps watch, 

 and drives away the enemy with a handkerchief. And 

 after all, a swelling on one's hand, even if it does smart, 

 is not much to pay for an idea. 



As the petrol streams into the cavern we hear the 

 threatening buzz of the population underground. Then 

 quick I — the door must be closed with the wet clay, and 

 the clod kicked once or twice with the heel to make the 

 istopper solid. There is nothing more to be done for 

 the present. Off we go to bed. 



With a spade and a trowel we are back on the spot at 

 dawn. It is wise to be early, because many Wasps will 

 have been out all night, and will want to get into their 

 home while we are digging. The chill of the morning 

 will make them less fierce. 



In front of the entrance-passage, in which the reed 

 is still sticking, we dig a trench wide enough to allow us 

 free movement. Then the side of this ditch is carefully 



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