THE HORNET. 



PLATE XXXVI . T HE HORNET. 



OUR readers will observe that on the thirty-sixth 

 plate, there are two engravings. At the top, a hornet's 

 nest. The hornet is one of the largest and most remarka- 

 ble species of the wasp. It is distinguished by a black 

 breast, and double black spots on the belly ; the head is 

 also longer and slenderer, and the eyes somewhat resem- 

 bling a half moon. It is extremely bold and venomous. 

 It is said by naturalists to have a strong passion for flesh, 

 and, when hungry, that two or three of them will seize 

 upon a small bird, kill it, and devour its flesh ; more than 

 this, it has even been said, that, singly, it will attack and 

 conquer a sparrow. What boy who reads this number of 

 the History, especially if he lives in the country, will not 

 remember the battles he has had with the hornet, and the 

 number of times he has had to retreat before this little en- 

 emy; and then again, under the promptings of ambition, 

 revenge, and a little mischief, has renewed the encounter 

 with stones and clubs, and finally conquered by destroying 

 the nest ; but in many instances not without carrying away 

 from the conflict a swollen eye or limb. The nest is curi- 

 ously constructed. It is perfectly tight, except at the bot- 

 tom, where there is a little hole, at which the hornet passes 

 out and in. The nest is ordinarily built upon the branch 

 of a small tree or bush, in the corners of the fence, or un- 

 der the eaves of buildings. 



