140 BRITISH OAK. GALLS. 
much as 10-12 mins. can be obtained, by pressure, 
from a large gall. The disagreeable bitterness of the 
fluid makes the gall exceedingly unpleasant to the 
human palate. 
This gall is exceedingly pretty and attractive. The 
English name of “ pink wax” is eminently suitable. 
It bears some resemblance to Spathegaster baccarwm, 
but while that species is almost tasteless, this species 
is very astringent. 
In size, even although mature, it varies greatly ; 
some species being not more than 12 mm. in girth, 
others attaining 45-50 mm. in girth. 
In shape also there is considerable variation, some 
being oval, ovoid, and spherical. The prevailing form 
is globular, slightly depressed where attached, and 
occasionally at the opposite pole also. The walls are 
very thick; the larval cavity very small. 
The mode of growth is such that the gall appears 
to be sessile, a deception increased when it is sur- 
rounded with moss, lichen, ivy, or very small twigs. 
Its origin is from a bud, not from the bark. It is 
always attached by a peduncle, which although small, 
delicate, and easily severed, retains the gall until 
mature, or the tenant has emerged, and even when it 
has shrivelled, and become inconspicuous. 
At intervals of several years they are particularly 
abundant, many hundreds appearing on the trunks of 
old trees. They are found most frequently low down 
the bole of the tree; they also affect small twigs in the 
same lowly position, especially when lightly covered 
with loose earth and leaves; they may also be sought 
on twigs along the bottom of a hedge; but, the best 
place of all is the stump of an old pollard oak in a 
wood or lane. 
