The Mason-Wasps 



from light to darkness. Moreover, even 

 without the intervention of the experi- 

 menter's wiles, they are sure occasionally 

 to find the threshold of their dwelling ob- 

 structed by fallen earth, the result of rain or 

 of the feet of the passers-by. The next ac- 

 tion of the homing Wasps is bound to fol- 

 low: they search about, sweep, dig and end 

 by finding the entrance-tunnel. This power 

 of scenting their house through, the soil and 

 this eagerness to clear the doorway of their 

 dwelling are innate aptitudes : they form part 

 of the resources bestowed upon the species 

 for its preservation in the midst of daily ac- 

 cidents. Here there is no need of reflection 

 or calculation: the earthy obstacle has been 

 familiar to one and all since Wasps first came 

 into the world. They therefore scrape and 

 go in. 



At the foot of the bell-glass, the same 

 order of things obtains. Topographically, 

 the position of the Wasps'-nest is perfectly 

 well-known; but direct access has become im- 

 possible. What is to be done? After a 

 brief hesitation, the process of digging and 

 clearing is adopted according to ancient cus- 

 tom; and the difficulty is overcome. In 

 short, the Wasp knows how to reenter her 

 home, in spite of certain obstacles, because 

 254 



