48 The Hinnjning Bird. 



discharo^es a black fluid into the water to darken it and thus 

 cover its retreat; the hermit crab, which lives in the old shells 

 of whelks, etc., but it would fill many volumes to mention all 

 of them. In fact one may say that every animal has some 

 special protection, or disguise, to guard it from the dangers 

 which beset it. Moreover, there are always fresh points of 

 interest to be discovered in this connection, and there is a 

 wide field of study and research still left open for every lover 

 of natural history. 



W. F. H. Rosenberg. 



ABUNDANCE OF WASPS. 



The extraordinary hot and dry weather which has been 

 experienced this year in Europe, has been partly injurious to 

 the crops of cereals and grasses ; but, as a compensation, it 

 has been extremely favourable to all trees and plants bearing 

 fruit. 



The quantity of fruit has been so large this year, that 

 everywhere can be seen trees, so overloaded with them, that 

 many of their branches not being able to support such a 

 weight, lie broken on the soil. 



The year 1893 will always be remembered as an exceptional 

 year in that respect. The Vines are in the most flourishing 

 condition as to quantity and quality, and it is now certain that 

 this year, the w^ine will be of an exceptionable good quality. 



But what is of greater interest to the Zoologist, is the 

 prodigious number of Wasps, which can be seen everywhere 

 in the orchards. Millions, or better say milliards of them are 

 feasting on fruits, and it is a great task, for gardeners and 

 others, to preserve their crops from these insects. From 

 where did all these insects cqme from, precisely at a time 

 when there is such an abundance of fruit, is more than we 

 can say ? It is one of those mysterious doings of NATURE,, 

 which we can well admire, but not so easily explain ? [El).] 



