MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES, . 1i)7 



eight hundred British species of the Ichneumoiiidae. From the foregoing I 

 think it would appear there is abundant proof that Ichneumons pierce insects 

 in the larva state. Speaking generally it will be found that writers upon 

 the subject say that it is while in the caterpillar state that insects are attacked; 

 and it seems much more natural to suppose it should be when in this soft 

 state than when the insect has put on a stout protecting case, as during the 

 chrysalis period. I should hardly think it possible for the Ichneumon, which 

 is parasitic upon Trichiosoma luconim, to pierce with its slender ovipositor the 

 tough and leathery cocoon of that Saw-fly. Doubtless certain species of insects 

 are attacked in one stage of their existence, and in that only. It would not 

 be supposed that the same Ichneumon fly would attack an insect both in the 

 larva and chrysalis state. That the larvcs are really attacked there can be no 

 doubt; for I find it stated in the "Penny Cyclopaedia/' by Mr. Waterhouse, I 

 presume, that '^Instances are not uncommon in which the eggs of the Ich- 

 neumon hatch in the body of the living caterpillar; and what is most remarkable, 

 they do not destroy its life. It is not until the larvae have quitted their abode 

 in the caterpillar that it dies." The same writer states, "In most cases these 

 eggs are not hatched until the caterpillar has changed into a chrysalis; they 

 then hatch, and the Ichneumon larvae feed upon the contents of the pupa 

 case, enclose themselves in silken cocoons, and undergo their final transformation, 

 to come forth in proper season, eating their way through the chrysalis case." 

 I shall be glad if this interesting subject receives further attention in '^The 

 Naturalist," and, above all, positive testimony from personal observation. 



Devizes, February ord., 1852. 



3l!kfllnti!nu3 JMlm. 



Curious instinct in the Rat, (Mus decumauus.) — A friend of luiue observed in a ditch a hole 

 eight inches deep, and five in diameter at the mouth, shaped like a funnel, with a small 

 quantity of water in it, not a drop of which could escape, the inside being so securely puddled 

 round. A well-beaten path ran up to the hole, evidently made by some small animal. He 

 stopped it up, but on visiting the place next day found it re-opened, and all as neatly executed 

 as before. Tlie circumstance exciting his curiosity, ho set a trap, and succeeded in capturing 

 a large Eat. From the smoothness of the sides of the hole, and the clearness of the water, 

 it is evident tlifse animals resorted thither for the pui-pose of quenching their thirst, by dipping 

 in their tails, and afterwards licking them. It is the opinion of my friend that this stratagem 

 was attributable to a pool having been filled up, from which they previously drank. — Hubert 

 Beadles, Broadway, May 5th., 1852. 



Tlie Slwrt-tailed Field Mouse. — Some workmen while ploughing a few days since, turned up 

 three or four Short-tailed Field Mice. They were all ensconced in a snug little hole, with 

 plenty of dried grass roots, etc., to keep them warm for the winter, and a pretty good larder 

 to boot, in case of premature and temporary recovery from torpor. This larder was composed 

 of, (if the workmen are to be credited,) prefty nearly half-a-peck of wheat. — Martin Curtler, 

 Bevereye House, Worcester, February 10th., 1852. 



The Swallotv, (Hirundo rustica.) — I am informed by the Eev. "W. F. Cornish that a Swallow 

 was sliot at Dittisham, on the Dart, the week before last. — S. Haxnafokd, Jun., Totnes, April 

 7th., 1852. 



