These deserted nests are sometimes used as ovens, as we have already seen, a fire having been kindled within them for some time, the meat, well enveloped in leaves, being thrust into them, and the opening closed with clay. Sometimes they are used as graves, the corpse being placed in them, and the hollow filled up with earth, while the wall of the Termite nest, when pounded and mixed with water, is found to be the most tenacious clay that can be used for building or flooring huts. PORCHES, EAVES, AND WINDOWS. We now come to some of the appendages of a house, namely, the Porch by which the rain is kept from a doorway, the Eaves by which it is kept from the walls, and the Windows which will admit light and air, but will prevent the entrance of intruders. We first take the Porch, two examples of which are shown in the accompanying illustration, one being the work of human hands, and the other that of an insect. The figure on the right hand represents an old-fashioned Porch, such as is often to be seen attached to old village churches, and which, being furnished with seats, serves also as a resting-place for those who are weary. [Illustration: NESTS OF MYRAPETRA, WITH PORCHES.] [Illustration: PORCH.] The figure on the left hand of the illustration is a wonderful example of the Porch, as constructed by insects. It is the nest of a honey-making Brazilian wasp named _Myrapetra scutellaris_. The peculiarity of this nest consists in its exterior being covered with a vast number of projections made of the same material as the walls of the nest, but more solid and much harder. The colour of the nest is blackish brown. The object of all these projections has not been ascertained, but there is no difficulty as regards some of them. Without a very careful examination, it is exceedingly difficult to see any opening by which the inhabitants of the nest can go in and out. It will be found, however, that there are many entrances, which are set in a row round the nest, each opening being situated under a projection, which thus performs the office of a porch as well as that of concealment. Another hymenopterous insect carries out the principle of the Porch in its nest. This is the _Myrmica Kirbyi_, a tiny reddish Ant which inhabits India. It makes its nest of cow-dung, which it works up into a texture very like that of an ordinary wasp-nest. A series of large flakes of this substance overhang the entrances, so that the inhabitants can enter freely, while rain is kept out. For the purpose of greater security, one very large flake covers the roof in umbrella fashion. The whole nest is globular, and about eight inches in diameter. * * * * *