WASPS. 133 



me by Mr. Jackson. He brought over three hives 

 from Bristol to Waterford, in the summer of 1828. 

 Next spring, a full month before any of the inhabi- 

 tants of the Irish hives in the same garden were 

 stirring, the English bees were busUy at work, and 

 by the time their neighbours had commenced, had 

 formed a considerable quantity of comb. Next year, 

 they were earher than the Irish bees, but not so 

 much so as the preceding season ; and they have 

 now, hke some other settlers, adopted the seasons 

 and customs of those among whom they have taken 

 up their abode. It would be interesting, in con- 

 nexion w^th this fact, to ascertain the time at which 

 certain flowers come into blossom at Bristol and at 

 Waterford. 



Another insect, no less knowm than the bee, but 

 regarded with very different feeUngs, is the Wasp. 

 The two insects, besides a general resemblance in 

 form, have a considerable similarity in some of their 

 habits. Both live in numerous communities, — both 

 construct hexagonal cells, in wliich their young are 

 reared ; and both labour with untiring perseverance 

 for their support. The wasps, however, do not store 

 up food, nor do they collect honey. They are armed 

 freebooters, and take by force what they will not 

 stoop to acquire by toU ; — 



