VESPA CRABRO, OR HORNET. 243 
trees, where it is secure from rain ; and 
sometimes chooses for that purpose the 
timbers of old lofts, or out houses. The 
shape of its nest, and the colour of the 
outer covering, have very much the 
appearance of a large brown cake. The 
nest is composed of the dust rasped oiF 
decayed timber with its jaws, and made 
into a strong paste, with a liquid, like 
glue, which the hornet emits from its 
mouth. Of this paste, which when dry 
resembles brown parchment, it forms a 
coarse comb, something similar to the 
honeycomb, but divided into very large 
cells, suitable to the size of the hornet, 
which is full an inch in length. 
Lucy, It is very fortunate, that the 
hornet is not as common as the wasp, 
for they would destroy all our bees. 
Mother, The hornet, as it flies, makes 
a very loud humming noise, which warns 
insects of the enemy's approach, and, as 
its flight is slow and heavy, gives them 
time to make their escape. 
Lucy. The common wasp, I suppose, 
M 2 
