Formation of the Cells of Bees and Wasps. i 
concerned. The cells constructed later in the season by the 
neuter wasps, I have no doubt, come into the same category as 
the cells of the hive-bee. 
Having made these preliminary remarks, I will now direct your 
attention to one or two other specimens which I have to exhibit. 
But first I wish you to observe, with regard to the specimen of 
part of a nest already exhibited, that it consists of a stalk by which 
it was attached to the nest-covering, the stalk being slender in the 
middle and expanded at the extremities—at the base to increase 
the surface for attachment, and at the opposite extremity to unite 
with the three cells. Viewing this specimen from the side, or 
with the stalk towards you, there is no trace of plane surfaces; all 
the work is in curves, and the partially formed cells appear to be 
hemispherical. It is only when you view it with the openings of 
the cells towards you that plane surfaces are visible, and these are 
presented by the flat partitions between the cells. You will also 
perceive that were the now partially circular outline of the opening 
of one of these cells to be carried on and completed, it would en- 
croach upon the two neighbouring cells. 
This specimen originally formed part of an enormous hornet’s 
nest, the nest consisting, as usual, of a number of horizontal slabs 
composed of cells, and a thick covering enclosing the whole and 
constructed of the same materials as the cells. ‘The covering, in 
parts, was very irregular, no doubt arising from the situation in 
which the nest was placed (most probably in a hollow tree). On 
its inner surface were many small cavities, in several of which were 
small rudimentary nests, or rather portions of comb. They were 
evidently not completed, on account of the confined space not per- 
mitting of further progress. It was from one of these cavities 
that the specimen exhibited was taken. 
Here are two other small bits of comb from the small cavities 
spoken of. The cells are increased in number, but are less ad- 
vanced than in the first piece. This (Pl. XIII. fig. 2), the smallest 
piece of comb, shows four cells in a rudimentary condition; the 
most advanced of these cells (and no doubt the one first com- 
menced) is nearly hemispherical ; attached to this is a second cell, 
rather less advanced, and in the interspace of these two cells are 
two others, presenting a still earlier condition, The smaller of 
these latter has its outer free portion nearly semicircular, whilst 
the inner half is formed by portions of the two adjoining cells, 
these portions presenting curves encroaching upon the small rudi- 
mentary cell. The partitions between the other three cells show 
a slight tendency to become flattened. Comparing this piece of 
K 2 
