The Mason-Wasps 



of it. Its hind-quarters stick out, very vis- 

 ibly. For long hours it remains motionless 

 in this position. At every moment Wasps 

 pass and repass close by. Three of them, 

 at one time together, at another separately, 

 come and nibble at the edges of the cell; 

 they break off particles which they reduce 

 to paste for a new piece of work. 



The passers-by, intent upon their business, 

 may not perceive the intruder; but these three 

 certainly do. During their work of demoli- 

 tion, they touch the grub with their legs, 

 their antennae, their palpi; and yet none of 

 them minds it. The fat grub, so easily re- 

 cognized by its queer figure, is left alone; and 

 this in broad daylight, where everybody can 

 see it. What must it be when the profound 

 darkness of the burrows protects the visitor 

 with its mysteries ! 



I have been experimenting all along with 

 big Volucella-grubs, coloured with the dirty 

 red that comes with age. What effect will 

 pure white produce? I sprinkle on the 

 surface of the combs some larvae that have 

 lately left the egg. The tiny, snow-white 

 grubs make for the nearest cells, go down 

 into them, come out again and hunt about 

 elsewhere. The Wasps peaceably let them 

 go their way, as heedless of the little white 

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