CHAPTER VI. 
THE HYMENOPTERA. 
HOWEVER much we may become interested in the habits, struc- 
tures, and metamorphoses of other insects, there is always a sense 
of satisfaction in studying the Hymenoptera. The infinitely 
numerous insects which are classified under this important order 
are not celebrated for great elegance of shape, magnificent colours, 
and elaborate ornamentation, and they are usually small in size, 
and modest in their decoration. Some, it is true, are brilliant 
enough, but this is very exceptional, and they never attain a 
large size. 
When the Hymenoptera are examined no one expects to meet 
with unusual beauties ; but the interest they convey is far higher 
in its origin than that of simple decoration. The butterfly is 
admired on account of the richness of its colours, its elegant 
shape, and the magnificent wings ; and a beetle is attractive on 
account of the dazzling brilliancy of its elytra, which may 
resemble the most lustrous metals or the finest jewels. But the 
butterfly and the beetle, which revel in all the decorative wealth 
of nature, lead useless and apparently purposeless lives, and their 
external beauty is their sole attraction. 
The hymenopterous insect pillages the flowers ; it has quiet 
tints and sombre colours ; and its form and shape are simple in 
the extreme. This insect, which has no very elaborate ornamen- 
tation to make it attractive, soon commends itself to the close 
observer, whose delight in the tiny thing increases to a sense of 
great admiration, as its agile movements, indefatigable perseve- 
rance, and independent spirit gradually unveil themselves. What 
