194 HABITATIONS OP ANIMALS. 



lodging to prodigious numbers of inhabitants. Reaumur 

 computed, from the number of cells in a given portion of 

 comb, that, in a medium-sized nest, there were at least 

 10,000 cells. This calculation gives an idea of the astonish- 

 ingly prolific powers of these insects, and the vast numbers 

 of individuals produced in a single season from one nest ; 

 for every cell serves as a lodging to no less than three gene- 

 rations. Hence a moderately-sized nest gives birth annually 

 to 30,000 young wasps. 



The different stories of combs are always about half an 

 inch high, which leaves free passages to the wasps from one 

 part of the nest to another. These intervals are so spacious, 

 that, in proportion to the bulk of the animals, they may be 

 compared to great halls or broad streets. Each of the larger 

 combs is supported by about fifty pillars, which, at the same 

 time, give solidity to the fabric, and greatly ornament the 

 whole nest. The lesser combs are supported by the same 

 ingenious contrivance. These pillars are coarse, and of a 

 roundish form. Their bases and capitals, however, are much 

 larger in diameter than the middle. By the one end they are 

 attached to the superior comb, and by the other to the infe- 

 rior. Thus between two combs there is always a species of 

 rustic colonnade. The wasps begin at the top, and build 

 downward. The uppermost and smallest comb is first con- 

 structed. It is attached to the superior part of the external 

 covering. The second comb is fixed to the bottom of the 

 first ; and in this manner the animals proceed till the whole 

 operation is completed. The connecting pillars are composed 

 of the same kind of paper as the rest of the nest. To allow 

 the wasp entries into the void spaces, roads are left between 

 the combs and the external envelope or covering. 



Having given a general idea of this curious edifice, it is 

 next natural to inquire how the wasps build, and how they 

 employ themselves in their abodes. But as all these mys- 

 teries are performed under the earth, it required much indus- 

 try and attention to discover them. By the ingenuity and 

 perseverance of M. de Reaumur, however, WQ are enabled to 

 explain some parts of their internal economy and manners. 

 This indefatigable naturalist contrived to make wasps, like the 

 honey-bees, lodge and work in glass hives. In this operation 

 he was greatly assisted by the ardent affection which these 

 animals have to their offspring ; for he found, that, though 

 the nest was cut in different directions, and though it was ex- 

 posed to the light, the wasps never deserted it, nor relaxed 



