A MASON-WASP 



These three nests were exactly the same as those 

 found in our houses. The material was mud, as always; 

 the protective covering was the same mud. The dangers 

 of the site had suggested no improvements to the builder. 

 We see, then, that sometimes, but very rarely, the Pe- 

 lopaeus builds in stoneheaps and under flat blocks of stone 

 that do not touch the ground. It was in such places 

 as these that she must have made her nest before she 

 invaded our houses. 



The three nests, however, were in a piteous state. 

 The damp and exposure had ruined them, and the cocoons 

 were in pieces. Unprotected by their earthen cover the 

 grubs had perished eaten by a Fieldmouse or another. 



The sight of these ruins made me wonder if my neigh- 

 bourhood were really a suitable place for the Pelopaeus 

 to build her nest out of doors. It is plain that the mother 

 Wasp dislikes doing so, and is hardly ever driven to such 

 a desperate measure. And if the climate makes it im- 

 possible for her to practise the industry of her forefathers 

 successfully, I think we may conclude that she is a 

 foreigner. Surely she comes from a hotter and drier 

 climate, where there is little rain and no snow. 



I believe the Pelopaeus is of African origin. Far 

 back in the past she came to us through Spain and Italy, 

 and she hardly ever goes further north than the olive- 

 trees. She is an African who has become a naturalised 



[87] 



