TWO FAIRY SPONGES 43 



cells, at first each with its tiny egg, and then with 

 its plump larva, followed by the chrysalis, and 

 at length by the emergence of the full-fledged 

 Cynips roscz. 



This sponge - gall of the rose is commonly 

 known as the Bedegnar, and, like all other mem- 

 bers of its tribe, as with the familiar oak-apple, 

 was long supposed to be a regular accessory fruit 

 of its parent stalk. Among early students were 

 many superstitions connected with the Bedegnar, 

 the nature of which may readily be inferred from 

 its other common name of " Robin's Pin-cushion.'* 



