In the centre is the common Humble Bee, Bombus terrestris, collecting pol- 

 len from the Palm-willow ; to the right is a large female Wasp, Vespa vul- 

 garis, a winter survivor and foundress of a new colony, rasping wood as 

 material for her nest, and to the left is another individual of the same, in 

 flight, descending to the bank in which she has formed her burrow. 



A DEFENCE OF WASPS. 



HE month of Mars has been unusually pacific, 

 and " Our Lady's Day " has brought us, in 

 consequence, a thicker sprinkling than usual 

 of early spring flowers. See the glories of 

 the palm-willow, already rich in the gold and 

 silver of her flowery catkins. This willow's wealth would 

 seem, however, like other riches, to have had its attractions 

 for the spoiler, for here is a host of Insect plunderers finally 

 awakened from their winter torpor, and brought from far by 



