v SOCIAL HOMES 169 



fifteen in number, circular, and of different sizes, 

 and disposed horizontally in distinct and parallel 

 tiers one above the other. Each consists of an as- 

 semblage or layer of cells of papery stuff like the 

 covering, their mouths directed downwards, so that 

 their upper ends or bases, which are slightly convex, 

 together constitute an almost level floor, on which the 

 wasps conveniently pass to and fro in attendance on 

 the young hanging in the comb of cells immediately 

 above. These terraces are supported by fixture to 

 the sides of the nest, and each is attached to the pre- 

 ceding one by cylindrical columns or pillars, of a 

 compact paper. Access from tier to tier is gained by 

 openings between the walls of the combs. At the 

 bottom of the nest two main holes exist, the entrance 

 and exit ways common to the community. A 

 covered road leads from the surface to the subter- 

 ranean dwelling, often a long and tortuous path, an 

 approach carefully concealed though well-known to 

 the miners. 



This wonderful structure arises from a small begin- 

 ning. In the early spring a solitary wasp or two 

 may be observed here and there, flying neither high 

 nor fast, but plainly on a tour of inspection of the 

 earth-banks, scrutinising into the opportunities they 

 offer for the formation of a home. These are females 

 who have just awakened from their hybernation. At 

 last the wasp meets with a crevice to her mind, 

 the abandoned burrow of a field-mouse maybe, or of 

 a mole, or perhaps the forsaken tunnel of some large 

 burrowing insect. She examines it in every par- 

 ticular, she fusses in and out, she appears to delibe- 



