SOCIAL HOMES 



167 



zontally, the cells of the latter being the most 

 numerous ; all are ranged together at some distance 



from the opening. 

 Externally to these 

 are the clusters of sacs 

 for the honey, affixed 

 to the wood of the 

 cavity by processes 

 of wax, or to each 



FIG. 28. Comb of Polistes tepidus, Fabr. , with other and frCQUentlv 

 centre pedicle ; from Saussure. J 



placed side by side ; 



the disposition of a group as a whole has some 

 resemblance to a bunch of grapes. Taking advantage 

 of the irregular position of the sacs, the cultivators 

 abstract the honey by removing the clay plug from 

 the bottom of the hive, and secure the riches without 

 injuring, almost without disturbing, the inmates. 

 The end is again closed, and the bees, robbed of their 

 treasure, lay in a fresh store. 



The true social Wasps, which are arranged in one 

 large family, the 

 Vespidce, form 

 communities.whose 

 architectural la- 

 bours will not 

 suffer on compari- 

 son even with those 

 of the inhabitants 

 of the bee-hive. 

 In fact, for dainti- 

 ness and delicacy the nests of many of the 

 Vespidce constitute the most beautiful examples 



FIG. 29. Comb of Polistes cctnadensis, Linn, 

 inverted, with lateral support and irregular cells 

 many still containing nymphs ; from Saussure. 



