WASP-FLOWERS 53 



The sweet-clover also yields its deli- 

 cious nectar to the short tongues of the 

 hornets and yellow-jackets, — a fact of 

 which they are not slow to take advan- 

 tage, as the visitors buzzing about the 

 sweet-clover beds that line many roadsides 

 bear witness. 



Vespa enjoys the goldenrods too, and in 

 the fall of the year may be captured quite 

 easily as she buries her face in the polleny 

 masses, oblivious for once to whoever may 

 be coming near with suspended net and 

 evil intent. 



It is commonly said that wasps are 

 attracted to flowers having a disagreeable 

 or meat-like odour. 



This maybe true to some extent, though 

 it seems probable that the structure of the 

 flower has more influence upon the visits 

 of wasps than the odour. Certain flies do 

 prefer ill-smelling flowers, and the wasps, 

 finding the nectar of these flat-topped 

 blooms obtainable by their short tongues, 



