Social-Wasps. 97 



[This is probably the nest of V. rufa. We possess several 

 specimens of the nest, one of which corresponds tolerably 

 closely with the edifice described in the work.] 



There is another species of social- wasp (Epipone nidulans, 

 LATB.) meriting attention from the singular construction of 



Wasp's Nest. 



its nest. It forms one or more terraces of cells, similar to 

 those of the common wasp, but without the protection of an 

 outer wall, and quite exposed to the weather. Swammerdam 



lining feathers. " The smallness of the nest," says Mr. Shuckard, " and also 

 of the tier of cells, as well as the peculiar material of which it appeared com- 

 posed, led to a discussion, the tendency of which seemed to support the opinion 

 that it was most probably the nest of a Polistes, a social-wasp not yet found 

 in this country, but if not of Polistes, certainly not yet determined or known." 

 The nest was ovate, about an inch and a half long, with a tier of cells internally, 

 originating from a common pedicle. It appeared to be constructed " of the 

 agglutinated particles of a soft white wood, probably willow, very imperfectly 

 triturated ;" whence it had externally a rough granulated appearance. It was 

 sprinkled with black specks, arising perhaps from the intermixture of more 

 decayed portions of the wood ; and was of a very fragile texture. " The nature 

 of the material, and its unfinished execution, as well as the situation in which 

 it was found, appear to me to be its own peculiarities, and I must necessarily 

 consider it merely an accidental variation in material and locality from the usual 

 nests of the Vespa Britannia* of Leach." 



H 



