The Wit of the Wild 



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by no means sure in her aim. When the victim 

 has become limp and quiet (though perhaps not 

 dead, but only paralyzed), the wasp usually 

 squeezes its neck in her jaws until that part is 

 thoroughly crushed. 



Now, what does she want of the caterpillar 

 why all this labor and trouble? Because a 

 caterpillar, in her instinct-opinion, is the only 

 thing suitable upon which to lay an egg that 

 needs to be packed away in the earthen cham- 

 ber so carefully prepared for it, in order that it 

 may hatch in safety ; and also because the larva 

 thus to be bred must have food ready for it. 



Having subdued her prey, the wasp stands 

 over it lengthwise, picks it up by the neck in 

 her jaws and partly carries, partly drags it, 

 going quickly or slowly according to its weight 

 and the difficulties of the way; and if you in- 

 terfere she will let it go and fight, but after- 

 ward hunt up the lost prey and continue the 

 journey. 



No animals have a better sense of locality 

 and direction than the wasps and their relatives, 

 the bees. It is plain that they study the place 

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