[ i8 7 ] 
themfelves, and then return into the hive again. 
About the 6 or 7 of September, I faw the laft none 
have fince been feen. 
As thefe infects are new to me, and to all who have 
feen them, I cannot fay any thing certain of their 
future progrefs ; but, if I may compare them to, as 
they moft refemble the hornets, in their making 
and hanging up of their neft, the queens will only 
furvive, and each in the next fpring be the founder 
of a new colony. The common wafps are under 
the fame regulation. The males all die at the ap- 
proach of winter, and leave but very few females to 
furvive them. This is wonderfully contrived to pre- 
vent the increafe of fuch noxious animals ; whereas 
the bees, fo beneficial to mankind, fuivive the win- 
ter, unlefs robbed of their honey, which is their 
fupport during that feafon. 
I have had at leaffc foo learned gentlemen of this 
univerfity to fee thefe infedts, and their operations. 
Is it not very remarkable ? Not any one of them had 
ever feen the like, or could give any fimilar account 
of any thing of this nature. 
I have waited with impatience the coming of the 
fpring ; but, to my great difappointment, none of 
my pretty little inmates returned to their nefi: ; 
which makes me conclude, that it is their annual ( 'work. 
This determined me to take it down carefully ; and 
as I promifed to fend it you, I defire your accept- 
ance of it, and of one of the infedts. I hope it will 
prove an agreeable entertainment to you and your 
curious friends. I am, Sir, 
Your moil obliged humble fervant, 
John Harrifon. 
A a 2 XXVII. 
