re SOCIAL HABITATIONS. 
Moreover, the Hornet is an irascible insect, and given 
to assault those whom it fancies are approaching its nest 
with evil intentions. It is not pleasant to be chased by 
wasps, but to be chased by Hornets is still less agreeable, 
as I can personally testify. They are so persevering in 
their attacks that they will follow a man for a wonderfully 
long distance, and if they he struck away over and over 
again, they will return to the charge as soon as they 
recover from the shock. There is a deep ominous menace 
in their hum, which speaks volumes to those who have 
some acquaintance with the language of insects; and 
no one who has once been chased by these insects will 
willingly run the same risk again. 
Mr. 8. Stone, tells me that he has been successful 
in breeding Hornets as well as wasps, and forcing them 
to build nests much more beautiful than they would have 
made if they had been at liberty. 
One nest, when of moderate size, was removed from 
the head of a tree, and placed in a large glazed box. 
Within the box the Hornets continued their labours, 
and a most beautiful nest was produced, symmetrical in 
shape, and variegated with wonderfully rich colours. 
“Such a nest as that,’ writes Mr. Stone, “is not produced 
by Hornets in a general way. They do not trouble them- 
selves to form much of a covering, especially when a small 
cavity in the head of a tree is selected, which is often the 
case. The walls of the chamber they consider a sufficient 
protection for the combs. 
“Tf you expect them to form a substantial covering, 
the combs must be so placed as to have ample space 
around them, and if you expect them to fabricate a 
covering of great beauty, you must select the richest 
coloured woods, and such as form the most striking 
contrasts, and place them so that the insects shall be 
