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cavity it occupies must be proportionately enlarged, accordingly 

 each wasp, as it emerges from the aperture, for the purpose of 

 collecting building material or food, wherewith to supply the 

 larvae, will be observed to bring out with it a small lump of 

 earth, which it has scraped from the walls of the chamber. In 

 this way the excavation is gradually increased in size exactly in 

 proportion to the increased side of the nest; care being taken to 

 keep a clear space of a quarter of an inch between its outer 

 covering and the walls of the chamber in which it is situate. 

 About the same space occurs between the combs; supporting 

 pillars or columns being placed at proper intervals between the 

 several tiers. Supporting columns are also placed, at short 

 intervals, between the roof of the chamber and the crown of the 

 nest, connecting the one with the other; and these su])ports are 

 constantly strengthened, as the increased weight of tlie nest 

 renders such a precaution necessary. The material employed in 

 building is a sort of paper manufactured by the insects themselves. 



A fact illustrative of their habits, and one which shows them 

 to be rigid economists, wasting nothing, but making tlie most of 

 everything, is sI)own by the manner in which they deal with larvjc 

 which chance to get injured, or to fall sick. These, as soon as 

 their unhealthy state is discovered, are dragged fi'om their cells, 

 and at once cut up and made to serve as food for the rest. 



They are not only economists in the article of food, but in 

 material also; for as the inner portions of the shell or covering 

 of the nest are removed in order to make room for the combs as 

 they increase in size, the material is not thrown by as useless, 

 but is worked up afresh; indeed this is eflFected in the very act of 

 removing it. It is then applied to the purpose of enlarging the 

 combs, or else used in making additions to the outside. The 

 basis of the material used is wood; this they scrape, by means 

 of their jaws, from off posts, rails, &c., in which act it becomes 

 mixed with some peculiar fluid with Avhich nature has provided 

 them. It then possesses nearly the same properties as the pulp 

 from which paper is made, but is of firmer consistence. This is 

 gathered in a small lump under the chin, to which it adheres, 

 and in that way is brought to the nest, where they apply it to 

 sonae unfinished part of the shell or combs, and then leave it to 

 dry before building upon it. 



