164 OUR BACKDOOR NEIGHBORS 



the variation was such that no satisfactory 

 estimate could be made of the normal period 

 required for completing the life cycle. 



With the approach of autumn the females 

 seek their mates, and then hibernate in some 

 sheltered place where they pass the winter. 

 With the coming of another summer the Natu- 

 ralist will seek their nests again in the hope of 

 observing them under more favorable condi- 

 tions. This time he will be familiar with their 

 habits and will not find it difficult to see the 

 thing for which he is looking. It is hardly 

 necessary to suggest that he will not likely 

 undertake to raise another wasp family by 

 hand. 



