WASP NESTS. 359 



the glass front, because it was frequently moved in order to 

 introduce a supply of sugar. Tliis nest is represented at fig. 4 

 in the illustration, and one of the wasps is introduced, in order 

 to show the comparative dimensions of the nest and its archi- 

 tects. 



As the wasps were building at such a rate, it was evident that 

 they would shortly iill the whole box with a shapeless mass of 

 paper. Another similar box was therefore prepared, and the 

 wasps ejected by tapping the box Avhicli was already completed. 

 As soon as they were all out, the second box was substituted for 

 the first, and the wasps crowded eagerly into it and again began 

 tlieir labours. In this box they were allowed to remain for a 

 week, and the result was as is seen in fig. 3. The wasps were now 

 transferred to a third box, in which they laboured for four days, 

 and produced a nest somewhat similar to the others, but not 

 quite so symmetrical. 



At this time Mr. Stone iitted up another box with two rows 

 of wire pillars, eight in numbei', placed with tolerable regularity 

 about two inches apart, and having a piece of comb at the base 

 and summit of each. In this box the wasps remained for fifteen 

 days, and in that time had covered all the wires and most of the 

 combs, and had nearly fiJled the box with paper. 



In order that a more symmetrical structure might be pro- 

 duced, a tit'tli box was fitted up with wires arranged in a different 

 manner. Four wires were placed across the box, rather in 

 advance of the middle, and two others in front of them. To all 

 these wires a piece of comb was fixed at the base and summit, 

 but between the two central pillars a short wire was placed, 

 having a piece of comb at its summit only. The wasps were 

 transferred to this box, and in the short space of five days, they 

 covered all the combs and Mires, and produced the extraordinary 

 structure which is shown in fig. 1, and which looks like a paper 

 imitation of a stalactitic cavern. The insects were ejected from 

 this nest before they had finished their work, and in consequence, 

 a portion of the comb on the small central pillar is still left 

 uncovered. 



As this box had been so successful, another was prepared on 

 the same principle, and the wasps were permitted to reside in it 

 for the same number of days, in which time they produced an 

 equally beaiitiful but rather more massive nest. This specimen 



