4 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



by which the ants may arrive at the nectary. These, after the 

 calyx is torn (never before, owing to the pendant character of the 

 flower), enter in great numbers, and after consuming the nectar 

 are found in a semi-torpid state, making no attempt to escape on 

 being disturbed. They thus fall an easy prey to the Tits, which 

 visit all the flowers at short intervals during the day, and clear off 

 the ants. Another bird closely resembling the Willow Wren, 

 but which builds its nest in palm and ficus trees, also makes 

 periodic visits to the Abutilon flowers for the purpose of feeding 

 on the ants. Canon Tristram informs me that he has named this 

 Phylloscopus fortunatus. I could not observe that it took any 

 part in lacerating the calyx. Late in the day the Titmice may 

 be seen vigorously tearing the calyx, apparently with the object 

 of producing a fresh exudation to attract the ants, the supply of 

 nectar having been exhausted. 



Fig. 2. — Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. 

 a. Openings visited by Bombus ; b, ditto, by Sylvia atricapilla. 



The only insect which I found visiting the interior of the flowers 

 of Abutilon was a large species of Bombus which climbs up the 

 stamens of the pendant flower and probes the nectary through all 



