I crave forgiveness for a suggestion which I advance with all the reserve befitting so delicate a subject.

Would it not be possible for the cromlech-builder to take a pride in her work, to look upon it with some affection and to feel gratified by this evidence of her cleverness?
Might there not be an insect science of aesthetics?
I seem at least to catch a glimpse, in the Eumenes, of a propensity to beautify her work.

The nest must be, before all, a solid habitation, an inviolable stronghold; but, should ornament intervene without jeopardizing the power of resistance, will the worker remain indifferent to it?
Who would say?
Let us set forth the facts.

The orifice at the top, if left as a mere hole, would suit the purpose quite as well as an elaborate door: the insect would lose nothing in regard to facilities for coming and going and would gain by shortening the labour.

Yet we find, on the contrary, the mouth of an amphora, gracefully curved, worthy of a potter's wheel.
A choice cement and careful work are necessary for the confection of its slender, funnelled shaft.