The Mason-Wasps 



ing our common curiosity; she had to keep 

 her room for several days as a result of sun- 

 stroke. For that matter, she was prepared 

 for the misadventure, well knowing, from 

 my own example, that this is the assured re- 

 ward of observations made beneath an im- 

 placable sun. May the eulogies of science 

 repay her for a little headache! The re- 

 sults of her watches agreed at all points with 

 those of my own. I shall explain them by 

 telling what I saw myself. 



Now for my turn. When the bundle of 

 reeds selected by the Odyneri reached me, 

 I was occupied with a most interesting quest- 

 ion, as will be proved by the details reserved 

 for another chapter. 1 I was endeavouring 

 to make the various Hunting Wasps, the 

 species of whose prey was known to me, 

 operate under a wire cover in my insect 

 laboratory. This would determine the pre- 

 cise spots into which the sting was driven. 

 My captives, confronted with their ordinary 

 game, for the most part refused to un- 

 sheathe their weapons; others, less intent 

 upon outdoor hunting, accepted the offer and 

 stabbed their victims under my magnifying- 

 glass. Why should not the Nest-building 

 Odynerus be among these bold ones? 



1 Not yet published in English. — Translator's Note. 

 208 



