The Hairy Ammophila 



sired end, must have certain limits which, if 

 exceeded, would bring about death and 

 speedy putrefaction. And so the Wasp regu- 

 lates the force of her compressions, which, 

 moreover, are numerous: about a score, in 

 all. 



The surgeon has finished. The patient 

 lies on the ground on its side, half doubled 

 up. It is motionless, lifeless, incapable of 

 resistance during the traction-process that is 

 to bring it home, unable to harm the grub 

 that is to feed upon it. The Ammophila 

 leaves it at the place where the operation 

 was performed and goes back to her nest I 

 follow her. She makes certain improve- 

 ments in view of the coming storage. A 

 pebble projecting from the roof might im- 

 pede the warehousing of the bulky quarry. 

 The lump is forthwith removed. A rustle 

 of grazed wings accompanies the arduous 

 task. The back-room is not large enough: 

 it is widened. The work is long-drawn-out; 

 and the caterpillar, which I have neglected to 

 watch, lest I should miss any of the Wasp's 

 doings, is invaded by the Ants. When the 

 Ammophila and I return to it, it is black all 

 over with busy carvers. This is a regret- 

 table incident for me and a grievous event 

 369 



