Wasps and Ants 49 



Rain and dew did not daunt the hornets ; 

 further, they kept at work from daylight until 

 dark. They were indeed very much the most 

 energetic among the nest-builders, also the 

 most ill-tempered. They stung with malice 

 aforethought, and did not even fly about their 

 own affairs without buzzing complaint. Not- 

 withstanding, Mrs. Baker tolerated them 

 partly, it is true, because she could not help 

 it, and partly also on account of the fly- 

 catching. They pounced hawk-like upon 

 every fly they could surprise. That was not 

 very many. Fly-eyes have so many facets, 

 that dilettante insect sees as well behind and 

 at the side of himself, as before. Hornets 

 are far from being so clear-sighted. Many 

 a time they pounced upon a little black spot, 

 mistaking it for a fly. They were fond also 

 of spiders, but more wary of attacking them 

 than either the wasps or daubers. If they 

 ever attacked a spider hard by his web the 

 chances were rather more than even, that 

 instead of catching, they would themselves 

 be caught. 



Spider webs are often so fine-spun they are 

 invisible except when hung with dew. So it 

 was not at all strange that the hornets, hot- 

 tempered, blustering, almost ruffianly blunder- 

 heads, often fell foul of them, and by their 

 frantic rage only entangled themselves the 



