Wasp (Hastings' Dictionary)

The common wasp, Vespa vulgaris, is very abundant in the East. Tlie general colour ■WATCH WATER 897 of its body is yellow, variegated by a longi- tudinal black line. Its nest is composed of a pape'y "ubstance, made by chewing up the wood and bark of trees, and is formed of hexagonal cells, like those of the bee. Wasps swarm in the neighbourhood of houses in the summer, and boldly enter them to feed on the meats, sweets, and fiaita on the table. They also frequent the vineyards, esp.

where grapes are spread out to dry into raisins. They invade the caldron in whicli grape juice is boiled down to dibs, and shops where sweets and fruits are sold. Other Vcspida: are also included under the general title wasp. The hornet belongs to the same tribe, and both of these hymen- opterous insects are closely related to the bee. G. E. Post.