B88 



INVERTEBRATES. 



severe. " In 1847," says Mr. Wood, " while on an cntomologii.al 

 excursion in Bagley Wood, I saw five hornets sitting in a row, 

 gnawing a dead branch. I was rather fearful of disturbing them, 



The Hornet. 



lut at the same time, they were much wanted for a museum. 

 I hey were all secured by tapping , each in succession with a twig, 

 and receiving it in my net as it flew off. Each bit a hole in the 

 net, which had to be repaired before it could be used again with 

 Bafety." 



The Wood-ant is the largest of the American or European 

 species. It is found principally in woods, and builds a large nest, 

 which looks like a hillock of sand and earth, intermixed with bits 

 of stick, leaves, etc. The interior of this hill is chambered out 

 into a variety of apartments, and is traversed by passages. The 

 so-called ants' eggs are not eggs at all, bnt the pujia cases of the 

 insect ; and if opened, the perfect insect is seen curled up inside. 

 In the autumn, the ants burst forth by thousands, and may be seen 

 hovering in clouds above the nest. Their beautiful wings do not 

 last long, for when a female ant escapes, and founds an infant 

 colony, her wings are soon lost. Few do escape, as the birds find 

 these living clouds a most agreeable and plentiful repast. 



