94 Insect Architecture. 



often choose for their home the space between the roof and the 

 ceiling of summer-houses, and the nests that are made in such 

 localities are mostly large and handsome. The reader should 

 notice the blisters by means of which the insect enlarges its 

 habitation.] 



When hornets make choice of a tree for their domicile, 

 they select one which is in a state of decay, and already 

 partly hollowed ; but they possess the means, in their sharp 

 and strong mandibles, of extending the excavation to suit 

 their purposes ; and Reaumur frequently witnessed their 

 operations in mining into a decayed tree, and carrying off 

 what they had gnawed. He observed, also, that in such 

 cases they did not make use of the large hole of the tree for 

 an entrance, but went to the trouble of digging a gallery, 

 sufficient for the passage of the largest hornet in the nest, 

 through the living and undecayed portion of the tree. As 

 this is perforated in a winding direction, it is no doubt 

 intended for the purpose of protecting the nest from the 

 intrusion of depredators, who could more easily effect an 

 entrance if there were not such a tortuous way to pass 

 through. 



Hornet's Nest in a hollow tree. 



[Here is an illustration of a hornet's nest as it appears in 

 the hollow of a tree. Industrious as is this insect, it never 

 takes needless trouble, and alters its nest according to circum- 

 stances. As has already been seen, the combs are defended 

 by a complete cover when the nest is placed in an open 



