I9b ROMANCE OF THE INSECT WORLD CHAP. 



the smallest, the least mature, so to speak ; the middle 

 ones are given ample room in the inclosure, and may 

 be increased to great size. While the former are 

 simply fixed against the axis and are more or less 

 spreading, the larger tiers tend to surround it on all 

 sides, so that the axis penetrates through them, 

 though always somewhat excentrically. Communi- 

 cation between the terraces is by spaces on the inner 

 side of the covering, a simple sheet of paper, which, 

 though slight, is solid and well gummed. Its surface is 

 irregularly indented ; sometimes wrinkled transversely 

 and circularly, and with great exactness. In some 

 nests, on one or other of the faces, the points where 

 the zones of paper and the wrinkles meet are very 

 plainly shown, making the spindle look as though it 

 were goffered. The branch that is accounted the 

 true axis is never vertical; a slanting one is chosen as 

 affording greater support. The neck projects to one 

 side, and consequently it becomes necessary if the 

 combs are to retain a horizontal position, that they 

 cut the stem at an oblique angle. 



Notwithstanding the sustaining power of the axis, 

 the tiers stand greatly in need of certain accessory 

 though irregular props. Frequently they are united 

 by pedicels, or columns, and are affixed to the interior 

 of the covering by their edges by little scales or 

 sheets of paper, leaving holes to enable the wasps to 

 get from story to story. In this manner they 

 are kept in their place, and the covering itself is 

 rendered stronger by its numerous points of union 

 with other substances. Another important means 

 of support is gained by arched strips of paper 



