SUPERSTITIONS ABOUT WASPS 173 



shelter themselves, that is a sign of stormy 

 weather. 



For wasps, hornets, and gnats to bite 

 more eagerly than usual is a sign of rainy 

 weather. 



There is a superstition in England, and 

 also in some parts of America, that the 

 first wasp seen in the season should be 

 killed, thereby insuring good luck and free- 

 dom from enemies throughout the year. 



Opposed to this is the belief that the 

 first wasp seen should not be killed, and 

 many people consider it bad luck ever to 

 kill a wasp. 



If a wasp stings you, it is a sign your 

 foes will get the best of you. 



If the first wasp of the season is seen in 

 your house, that is a sign you are to form 

 an unpleasant acquaintance, while if the 

 first bee is seen in your house, you are to 

 form a pleasant acquaintance. 



If wasps build in a house, it is a sign the 

 occupants of that house are coming to want. 



