i;8 ROMANCE OF THE INSECT WORLD CHAP. 



at the points of imbrication. Flat cell-like spaces 

 occur between them, except towards the summit 

 of the nest where the envelope forms a thick- 

 ish compact mass. The points of fusion of two 

 successive layers never fall precisely the one above 

 the other. By this mode of construction each layer 

 of paper lies on a stratum of air, a disposition 

 that withstands inclemency of weather. The. whole 

 of the exterior layers may be soaked with rain 

 without soiling in the slightest the leaves beneath. 

 The paper of Vespa, though sticky, is not varnished, 

 and wets easily. But it will dry in the sun, and not 

 be in the least deteriorated. 



The nest of the Hornet ( V. Crabro)^ tolerably 

 plentiful in many parts of England, is identical in 

 character with that of the wasp. It is larger than 

 the wasp's nest and the cells are larger ; its paper is 

 rougher, and the columns that support the comb- 

 tiers are higher and more massive, the central one 

 especially, which is about twice as thick as any of 

 the others. This insect does not favour the under- 

 ground for a dwelling; it lodges in out-of-the-way 

 corners in thatch or under the eaves of barns and out- 

 houses, and is extremely partial to save itself trouble 

 by building within old tree-trunks hollow from decay. 

 The cavity need not be particularly large when it is 

 adopted, for the hornet is liberally provided with the 

 means of excavation in its sharp and powerful jaws. 

 A nest so situated has no definite papyraceous 

 envelope, the hornets seem to understand perfectly 

 that the wood with which the combs are surrounded 

 affords sufficient protection in itself, and they provide 



