6 
56 
removing their natural supply of animal food, so needed in their 
first laborious work of the year in nest building and nourishing 
their first offsprings of the new colony. This was confirmed by the 
remarkable absence of aphides throughout the year. These insects 
had been so abundant in the previous year as to entirely destroy 
the hop growth in this district, whilst by their absence in 1886, 
the hop crop was unusually abundant. It seems that though the 
Adult Wasp feeds upon vegetable food, they provide the larve 
with animal food. In the years that the Wasps were so abundant 
the village butcher said he did not trouble himself to keep the 
Wasps off, as they prevented the flies that did him more harm. 
The saying that Wasps are particularly numerous in years of 
abundant fruit, was disproved in 1886, when the crop of plums was_ 
so great that tons of fruit were allowed to rot on the ground, as 
there was no sale for them, and yet Wasps were scarcely met with. 
The observations here related may give a clue, by microscopical 
examination of the Wasp papers, to further defferentiate the 
Species in genera of Wasps. 
XII. 
A SANITARY LAW EXEMPLIFIED IN 
VEGETABLE LIFE, 
BY 
MR. J. REID, F.R.C.S.Eng. 
Read October, 6th, 1885. 
The author explained that he had taken a certain fact in 
relation to the growth of a tree to emphasize the influence of light 
on development. Pure air, pure water, wholesome food, light, 
and warmth, were the five natural agents usually recognised as 
necessary to maintain a vigorous and healthful condition, as well 
as promote development in yegetable, and, yet more especially, in 
animal life. The three first and the last generally received more 
or less consideration in sanitation. Lieut, however, though in 
principle its value had been recognised in some degree, under the 
provisions of Building Acts for Towns, did not receive the full 
attention its importance demanded, and was apt to be neglected in 
Local Sanitary Administration. This kad been so in Canterbury 
by disregard of areal space and of direction, as well as inclination of 
the sun’s rays in the construction of new edifices. Several other 
illustrations of these points were dilated upon. It was also pointed 
out how necessary it was for every one in whatever period of life, 
but especially during childhood and youth, to pass their days 
