189I.] NEW-YORK MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY. 135 



the loops of the sheath gradually become smaller and smaller, the 

 ovipositor proper is again forced back into the tough bladder like 

 membrane between the sixth and seventh joints dorsally, and 

 there is a repetition of the appearance already described. 



The specimen exhibited was captured with some others at 

 Flatbush, Long Island, on the 8th of June instant, ovipositing in 

 the languishing portion of a Red Maple tree extending about 

 four feet above the surface of the ground. The ovipositor was 

 nearly withdrawn from the wood, and the membrane was dis- 

 tended in a thin translucent disc fully three-fourths of an inch 

 in diameter. The insect died in the cyanide bottle before the 

 membrane was entirely retracted, and the disc remained as now 

 seen, about five-eighths of an inch in diameter. The specimen 

 shows the curious fact, contrary to the published descriptions, 

 that in this case at least the bases of the halves of the sheath, to- 

 gether with the base of the ovipositor proper, are forced back 

 into the distended membrane, and that the specimen died and 

 has remained with all these parts in this position. 



On the 2d of June a German laborer named Schoeffer, a 

 robust, healthy man, part of whose duties consisted in the care 

 of the grounds where the Maple tree is situated, was passing the 

 place, when he was surprised to see one of these " Long-Stings "" 

 suddenly descend and strike him upon the bare arm about three 

 inches above the wrist. The blow felt like the prick of a pin. 

 The insect was brushed off and arose among the foliage.. 

 Presently the affected spot itched severely and was scratched 

 with the finger nail, when a small blister appeared, which in turn, 

 was opened with a pocket knife. Nothing more was thought of 

 the occurrence, but that night Schoeffer walked the floor, being, 

 unable to sleep on account of violent pains shooting up the 

 affected arm. The attendance of a physician was sought, and 

 for four or five days intense pain, great swelling involving the 

 entire arm, the axilla, and a portion of the side of the body, gave 

 symptoms of a severe case of erysipelas. On the 8th of June he 

 was seen at the ofifice of his physician, having the arm dressed. 

 The swelling was much reduced, and the affected spot was aa 

 open sore in the summit of a protuberance measuring about one 

 and one-half by three inches, and discharging copiously. No 

 theories or arguments, however able or subtle, concerning con- 



