HORNET. 221 



of the wasp, and of a somewhat globular 

 form, with an opening beneath ; the exterior 

 shell consisting of a few more layers of the 

 same strong paper-like substance with that 

 prepared by the wasp ; the cells are also of a 

 similar nature, but much fewer in number, 

 and less elegantly composed. The Hornet, 

 like the wasp, is extremely voracious, and 

 preys on almost any kind of fresh animal 

 substances which it can obtain, as well as 

 honey, fruit, &c. &c. Its sting is greatly 

 to be dreaded, and is often productive of 

 very serious consequences. 



Lines on seeing the sting of a Hornet, 

 with the point of a needle, through a micro- 

 scope : — 



Thy microscopic glass, admiring bring, 

 And view the humble Hornet's sharpen'd stingj 

 Then on the slenderest needle turn the eye, 

 And the vast difF'rence in their points descry ; 

 This view'd, more polish'd seems, acuter far ; 

 That, rough as from the forge some blunted bar. 



uS 



