274 WASPS. 



being closed, or to allow apertures which the Wasps will 

 almost certainly discover. 



No observations were sent in on one point which touches 

 us all very nearly, — how best to lessen pain and injury from 

 stings; therefore the following extract from the work of my 

 brother, Dr. Ormerod, on Wasps (referred to at p. 270), may 

 be of interest: — "Ammonia or soda will sometimes relieve 

 the pain, and chloroform more certainly and speedily should 

 it be at hand. Ipecacuanha is a favourite Indian remedy. 

 But the best way is gently to withdraw the sting, and suck 

 the wound if we can get at it, and then to leave it alone. 

 Some persons swell very much after a sting, and for these 

 rest, and a good dose of purgative medicine, are the best 

 remedies." Some few words are added on the importance 

 of leaving the wound itself alone, that is, not teasing or 

 squeezing the part. 



