286 THE WOODLANDS. 



produced by Cynips. Whereas the former inclose 

 quite a colony, the latter only one or two. 



THISTLE GALLS. Of the many galls, or cases, 

 found on herbaceous plants, one of the most common, 

 and most interesting is that which occurs on thistles. 

 The stem is swollen in an unnatural manner for an 

 inch or more to two or three times its proper size ; 

 and this swollen part contains several cells, in which 

 the grubs of a fly may be found. In the spring fol- 

 lowing the autumn in which the galls are formed the 

 insects make their escape about May or June as a 

 pretty little two-winged fly. 1 In former days these 

 galls were considered an unfailing remedy against 

 certain diseases, being carried about by the patients 

 in little bags. It was believed that they were effica- 

 cious against the most powerful fevers. The insect 

 which causes this gall is often accompanied by a 

 Hymenopterous parasite. 



The ground ivy, ragwort, tansy, thyme, speed- 

 well, betony, burdock, mugwort, tansy, and other 

 herbaceous plants are subject to galls. The Bedeguar, 

 or Robin's pincushion, on the wild rose, is too well 

 known to need description. Some are on the leaves, 

 some on the stems, some on the roots, and each has 

 a history which is worth the trouble of reading. But 

 our end has come, and with it one more appeal for 

 the studies introduced. Let this be spoken by one 

 who has gone to his rest, but who never tired in 

 bidding all to " look through Nature up to Nature's 

 God." 



" Believe me," he says, 2 " you need not go far to 



1 Musca ( Tephritis] cardui. 2 Kingsley's * Miscellanies. ' 



