WASP, OR VESPA VULGARIS. 215 
nature, these are all working wasps, nei- 
ther male nor female ; as soon as they 
fly, they fall to work in the service of the 
queen mother, whom they assist by en- 
larging the cavern, ajid building nu- 
merous cells. They procure the materials 
by biting and tearing small particles of 
wood from posts, window frames, and door 
cases ; glueing them together on the spot, 
and then carrying them home. The la- 
bourers, that remained at the nest, relieve 
them of their burdens, and they all join 
in working up the wood with the liquid 
which they disgorge, till it forms a white 
paste. Of this substance they form the 
cells, and erect over them three or four 
roofs, or coverings, at a small distance 
above each other, by which means all 
damp is completely excluded. 
Lucy. It would be delightful to watch 
the wasps, while at work ; but that would 
be rather dangerous. 
Mother. If under a glass hive, it 
might l>e done with safety. There are 
several tiers or stories of cells, with pas- 
sages between them ; and each tier is 
