34S AFFECTION OF INSECTS FOR THEIR YOUNG. 



springs from it. But when larvas of any kind have at- 

 tained their full size, and are about to pass into the 

 pupa state, they can exist for a long period without any 

 further supply. By selecting these, therefore, and 

 placing them uninjured in the hole, however long the 

 interval before the egg hatches, the disclosed larva is 

 sure of a sufficiency of fresh and Avholesorae nutriment. 

 — To prevent the possibility of any injury to its egg 

 from the motions or voracity of this living prey, the 

 wasp is careful to pack the whole so closely, each grub 

 being coiled above the other in a series of rings, and to 

 consolidate the earth so firmly above them, that they 

 have not the slightest power of motion^. — Those which 

 select more powerful caterpillars, or revenge the inju- 

 ries of their insect brethren by devoting spiders to the 

 destruction they have so often caused, take care to sting 

 them in such a manner as, without killing them out- 

 right, will incapacitate them from doing any injury. 



Zeal and activity in providing for the well-being of 

 their future progeny, not inferior to what are exhibited 

 by the tribe of Ichneumons, Spheges, and mason-wasps, 

 though less cruelly exerted, is also shown by the vari- 

 ous species of wild-bee, of which we have in this coun- 

 try above two hundred. Having first excavated a pro- 

 per cell with a dexterity and persevering labour never 

 enough to be admired, they next deposit in it an egg, 

 which they cover with a mass of pollen or honey col- 

 lected with unwearied assiduity from a thousand floM - 

 ers. As soon as the grub is hatched, it finds itself en- 

 veloped in this delicious banquet provided for it by the 

 pares of a mother it is doomed never to behold; and 



^ Rcaum. vi. 252. 



