282 



WASPS AND THEIR WAYS 



farther, when it came across a pebble 

 which appeared to suit its purpose ; took 

 hold and lifted it, but unfortunately the 

 shape of this little stone was such that it 

 slipped from its jaws. It tried again and 

 again for quite a while to obtain a good 

 hold, though without success, when it left 

 it in apparent disgust. Running about 

 after this failure for some time, in search 

 of a more suitable stone, but not finding 

 what was wanted, she returned to her little 

 monument of pebbles and commenced to 

 rearrange them and press them down as 

 much as possible. After being satisfied 

 that everything was well done, 

 she flew away, not to return." 

 After she had gone Mr. Per- 

 gande removed the little stones 

 and dug out her caterpillar, 

 with the tgg attached. 



Evidently this wasp had. 

 found the exact location of her nest by 

 listening to the sounds made by striking 



