184 NATURAL HISTORY OF WASPS. 
observation, from their position and connections. As 
they are set in motion by the same levers which pro- 
trude the sting, it might seem, at first, as if they were 
connected with its functions.* But their employment 
must rather alternate than coincide with that of the 
sting ; because the action that protrudes the one, with- 
draws the other organ. They might possibly act as 
feelers and guides to direct where the sting should 
be applied; but the sting seems to need no such 
guidance; and, as the fact, they are not put out as a 
preliminary to stinging. I believe them rather to be 
employed in oviposition, to receive the egg from the 
oviduct and to fix it to the wall of the cell. 
* Hunter. ‘Posthumous Works.’ Vol. I, p. 80, takes this view of 
their use. But, on the grounds assigned in the text, I believe it to be 
erroneous. 
