CHAPTER VII. 
FORM AND MODE OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEST. 
GROWTH OF THE NEST. INTERNAL ARRANGEMENTS. WASP-PAPER. END 
OF THE NEST. ARCHITECTURE OF THE SEVERAL SPECIES, 
IN the first room of the Northern Zoological Gallery 
of the British Museum is a_ beautiful collection 
of the nests of insects, which has grown up under 
the care of Mr. F. Smith, durmg the few last years. 
Many of these nests have been described and figured 
in “Homes without Hands.” And Mr. Wood’s in- 
teresting volume affords an excellent introduction 
to the treasures of this room. It is only with the 
wasps’ nests that we have here to do, but, in this 
department alone, there is occupation for hours, in 
the examination of the wonderful contents of the 
wall-cases. 
No insect probably has a more versatile talent for 
building than the wasp. In these cabinets we may 
trace all gradations’of texture, from the flimsiest 
lace work, which must not be touched by unwary 
hands, to the cardboard box, which might lie about. 
the nursery without damage. Brittle mud, and 
tough fibre, all alike, each in their turn, are put in 
requisition by these little architects. Chartergus hides 
her cells with a cover which needs a knife to get 
