COMMON WASPS 



irritable warriors to attack us by inspecting them too 

 closely. Without further investigation, which might 

 cost us too dear, we mark the spot, and resolve to return 

 at nightfall. By that time all the inhabitants of the 

 nest will have come home from the fields. 



The conquest of a nest of Common Wasps would be 

 rather a serious undertaking if one did not act with a 

 certain amount of prudence. Half a pint of petrol, 

 a reed-stump nine inches long, and a good-sized lump 

 of clay or loam, kneaded to the right consistency such 

 are my weapons, which I have come to consider the best 

 and simplest, after various trials with less successful 

 means. 



The suffocating method is necessary, unless I use costly 

 measures which I cannot afford. When Reaumur 

 wanted to place a live Wasp's nest in a glass case with a 

 view to observing the habits of the inmates, he employed 

 helpers who were used to the painful job, and were 

 willing, for a handsome reward, to serve the man of 

 science at the cost of their skins. But I, who should 

 have to pay with my own skin, think twice before dig- 

 ging up the nest I desire. I begin by suffocating the 

 inhabitants. Dead Wasps do not sting. It is a brutal 

 method, but perfectly safe. 



I use petrol because its effects are not too violent, and 

 in order to make my observations I wish to leave a small 



[139] 



