l36 



WASPS. 



known of within the limits of "a ramble," and twenty in the more 

 extended area of a few miles. 



It is worth noting, that from two well qualified observers respec- 

 tively almost at the north and almost at the south of the area reported 

 from, namely, localities in Co. Moray, N.B., and Kent, and also from 

 a station midway, namely, Hull, I had information that no unusual 

 amount of appearance of queens in spring preceded the very unusual 

 amount of Wasp infestation afterwards. 



Where the observers expressed an opinion as to the cause of the 

 very unusual prevalence, it was referred, as indeed seemed clearly 

 demonstrated, to the unusual weather in the spring being so entirely 

 suitable for satisfactory settlement of the queens. 



In some places the attack was noticed as passing away before the 

 customary time of Wasp disappearance in ordinary years. In regard 

 to benefit or injuries received from the Wasp presence, the evidence 

 shows unquestionably preponderance of the latter. 



We have some benefit from the Vespid» destroying other insects, 

 thus Hornets kill Wasps, Wasps kill flies and other insects, and insects 

 in the maggot stage, if of kinds acceptable to them, or like the Chafer 

 grubs, mentioned at p. 125, if exposed so that the grubs are accessible. 

 Two notes are given of service in attacking Aphides, but in one of these 

 it is mentioned that the Wasp attack apparently made but a small 

 impression on the amount of the Aphides ; and that the labourers 

 amongst the Bean crop got " sadly stung " ; and in the other, stinging 

 of the workmen is mentioned as " frequently " taking place. 



Taking flies round the cattle stalls is mentioned by one observer, 

 but though doubtless they may do good by clearing flies in butchers' 

 shops, I have no observations sent in of the Wasps giving themselves 

 the trouble to collect food of this kind where juicy fresh cut surfaces of 

 meat, or where (as in grocers' shops) sugar and jam, or other acceptable 

 provisions, were more easily attainable, and (where I had opportunity 

 of enquiring) no good service of the Wasps in this way had been 

 noticed. 



The great amount of injury inflicted by them in serious losses to 

 fruit-growers, and pain, risk, and inconvenience, by their extraordinary 

 amount of infestation in houses, and their attacks (or onslaughts, 

 rather) on men and horses when disturbed in the fields, are matters of 

 very demonstrable evil. Notes of these being given in the foregoing 

 pages, it is unnecessary to repeat them ; but where good fruit, and it 

 will be noticed how, in some instances, the best sorts and choicest 

 kinds are selected, is destroyed in bushels ; bags used by thousands to 

 protect it, and possible entrances into fruit-houses, or vineries, secured 

 by netting, &c., that there is very demonstrable loss and trouble. 



The applications named as useful in destroying nests are brimstone, 



