OBSERVATIONS ON INSECTS AND VERMES. 341 



is very pleasant to see with what address it strips off the 

 pubes, running from the top to the bottom of a branch, and 

 shaving it bare with all the dexterity of a hoop shaver. 

 When it has got a vast bundle, almost as large as itself, it 

 flies away, holding it secure between its chin and its fore 



There is a remarkable hill on the downs near Lewes, in 

 Sussex, known by the name of Mount Carburn, which over- 

 looks that town, and affords a most engaging prospect of 

 all the country round, besides several views of the sea. On 

 the very summit of this exalted promontory, and amidst the 

 trenches of its Danish camp, there haunts a species of wild 

 bee, making its nest in the chalky soil. When people ap- 

 proach the place, these insects begin to be alarmed, and, 

 with a sharp and hostile sound, dash and strike round the 

 heads and faces of intruders. I have often been interrupted 

 myself, while contemplating the grandeur of the scenery 

 around me, and have thought myself in danger of being 

 stung.* WHITE. 



WASPS. Wasps abound in woody wild districts, far from 

 neighbourhoods. They feed on flowers, and catch flies and 

 caterpillars to carry to their young. Wasps make their 

 nests with the raspings of sound timber ; hornets with what 

 they gnaw from decayed. These particles of wood are 

 kneaded up with a mixture of saliva from their bodies, and 

 moulded into combs. 



When there is no fruit in the gardens, wasps eat flies, 

 and suck the honey from flowers, from ivy-blossoms, and 

 nmbellated plants. They carry off also flesh from the 

 butchers' shambles. WHITE. 



In the year 1775, wasps abounded so prodigiously in this 

 neighbourhood, that, in the month of August, no less than 

 seven or eight of their nests were ploughed up in one field ; 

 of which there were several instances, as I was informed. 



In the spring, about the beginning of April, a single wasp 

 is sometimes seen, which is of a larger size than usual. 



* Mr. "White had some cause for his apprehension, for these bees sting very 

 severely. ED. 



