138 



WASPS AND THEIR WAYS 



In Demerara, where the storms are vio- 

 lent, the nests are often covered with a 

 hard case, one species making a beautiful 

 white, polished cardboard-nest, so strong 

 and compact that it can withstand the 

 hardest rainstorm. This nest is 

 usually broadest at the top, and 

 is entered by a hole in the 

 bottom. 



The combs are very regular in 



form, and very prettily placed 



within their protecting walls. 



It is said the mocking-birds build their 



nests above those of the card-board wasps 



to secure their young from the attacks of 



monkeys. 



Monkeys are fond of young birds, but 

 seldom would one be hardy enough to 

 try for a meal by climbing over a wasp's 

 nest! 



The mocking birds are not the only ones 

 wise enough to make the wasps their gar- 

 rison of defence, for there is a little fly- 



