The Mason-Wasps 



servations of the Master, himself so capable 

 an observer. My ambition is limited to cer- 

 tain matters of detail, which I shall be able 

 to study with a small number of survivors. 

 These I can spare by moderating the dose of 

 asphyxiating-fluid. 



I use petrol by preference because it is 

 cheap and because its effects are less over- 

 whelming than those of bisulphide of carbon. 

 The question is how to introduce it into the 

 cavity containing the Wasps'-nest. A ves- 

 tibule, or entrance-passage, about nine inches 

 long and very nearly horizontal, gives access 

 to the underground chambers. To pour the 

 liquid straight into the mouth of this tunnel 

 would be a blunder that might have grievous 

 consequences at the moment of excavation. 

 So small a quantity of petrol would be ab- 

 sorbed by the soil on its way to the nest and 

 would never reach its destination; and next 

 day, when we might think that we were dig- 

 ging without risk, we should find an infuri- 

 ated swarm under the spade. 



The bit of reed prevents this mishap. In- 

 serted into the gallery, it forms a water- 

 tight conduit and conveys the liquid to the 

 cavern without the loss of a drop. A fun- 

 nel is useful, as it enables us to pour the liquid 

 quickly. The entrance to the dwelling is 

 242 



