EEOM THE NOETH-WEST PROVINCES OP INDIA. 171 



The young grow very fast, especially at first when so few have to be fed ; and thus in 

 a short time there is a well-peopled colony in which there will be a few males and 

 workers of every size. 



The tops of the cells of the queen wasps are much elongated with silk ; and these 

 insects use some species of gluten wherewith to temper the paper of which the cells are 

 constructed, as well as to solidify the silken cell-coverings. 



They are in the habit of seizing insects and sucking out their juices, wherewith they 

 again feed the voracious young grubs, who are always clamouring for food with open 

 mouths. 



They are extremely troubled with Stylops, every fifth or sixth one taken having a 

 female of one under one of the segments of the abdomen ; and I have sometimes seen 

 two or three on one specimen. I have often tried to breed these Stylops, but invariably 

 failed, the male Stylops being very scarce, and the female, Mr. Smith tells me, never 

 leaving the body of the Polistes. 



This species is so well known that I do not think any further remarks are needed, 

 excepting a short account of the methods by which these troublesome insects are most 

 easily got rid of. 



There is a yellow ant {(Ecophylla smaragdina) which lives a social life, chiefly upon 

 trees, drawing leaves together in a curious manner with silk, and making in this manner 

 large nests in the Mango-trees. These insects sting severely, and they seem to have a 

 great antipathy to the Polistes^ who are very fond of feeding on their poorly protected 

 juicy young grubs. If, therefore, you cut off' a bough with a nest of these ants upon it, 

 tie it to a long bamboo and put it very near to the nest of the Polistes^ there will be a 

 general attack by the former upon the latter. An ant will seize on a wasp and bite 

 and sting him, others also coming up to help. They will together fall to the ground, 

 when the Polistes dies, and the ant {(Ecophylla smaragdina) having taken a sip of hi& 

 blood and juices, runs up again to his nest by a string always left hanging do^vn from 

 the bamboo near to the nest for this purpose. They will also attack hornets. Their 

 native name is " Mata," and they are used by all classes for this purpose. No heat is 

 too great for the Polistes; and in the hottest weather they may be found sitting in large 

 parties by water, evidently enjoying the season. 



These insects possess great vitality, of which the following is an instance : — 



'■Mainpuri, May 28, 1866. — Here is an instance of vitality. Last evening (7 p.m.) I 

 caught a Polistes at the edge of my scissor-net, when the frames meeting took off his 

 head. The body remained lively till half-past ten, p.m., when I went to bed; the 

 wings vibrated, and the sting was constantly protruded ; but next morning I found him 

 cold and stiff". It is thus that many persons are stung ; for they count the insects dead, 

 and take them up unwittingly." 



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