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LI. Upon the Preservation o/Fruits from Wasps. By Thomas 

 Andrew Knight, Esq. F. R. S. fyc. President 



Read February 2, 1819. 



Th e depredations committed by wasps are so extensive, 

 and the best means which the gardener can employ in de- 

 fence of his fruit, are generally so inefficient, that I have 

 thought the following communication worth transmitting to 

 the Horticultural Society; though my observations have 

 been limited to a single situation. 



It has always been the custom at Downton, to reserve the 

 principal part of the crop of Grapes in the vinery, till late in 

 the autumn, and much attention has consequently been found 

 necessary, to defend it from wasps. Blinds of Scotch gauze 

 were used with tolerably good success ; but a few wasps usually 

 found means to get in, and having once entered, they liked - 

 their habitation so well, that they never again quitted it. It was 

 also found difficult to obtain at all times, in calm and damp 

 weather, a sufficient degree of ventilation ; and if Grapes at 

 any time indicate a disposition to become mouldy, there is 

 much difficulty in the subsequent preservation of them. 



About ten years ago, the wasps ceased to pay any 

 attention to my Grapes ; and subsequently they have not 

 done the least damage, though the lights have been 

 constantly open during the whole of every dry day, after 

 the Grapes have become ripe. In the summer of 1815, 

 the nests of wasps were so numerous, that after a vast 

 number had been destroyed by my people, and an equal 



