NATURAL HISTORY QUERIES 
51 
479. Wild Roses. — In the February number of Nature Notes, there is 
a letter complaining of bundles of briar roses being dug up in the hedges by the 
roots. These were taken, no doubt, as stocks for budding purposes. The 
“ wild ” rose is in no danger of disappearing from our hedge-rows, and this 
“mischief,” in which I have frequently indulged, can hardly be looked upon as 
“ irreparable,” indeed, the letter raises the ijuestion as to whether it is not 
possible sometimes to go just a little too far in zeal for natural objects. I know 
of several uncommon animals and plants about here, and divulge their where- 
abouts to those only I can trust ; but do not extend protection and secrecy to 
common every-day objects that can be turned to other uses, and are to be found 
in every country lane throughout the kingdom. 
Southacre, Sivaffham. Ed.mund Thos. Dauke.ny. 
NATURAL HISTORY QUERIES. 
116. Comfrey. — In various parts of the South of England, I have seen 
small patches of the purple form of the Common Comfrey {Symphytum offiiinate) 
evidently grown under cultivation. I should be glad to know for what use it is 
intended. 
Redland, Bristol. Iua M. Koi’ER. 
117. Robins Killing their Parents. — Is there any truth in the state- 
ment that robins do not often live more than a year. An old man living in a 
cottage near here states as the young ones grow up they drive their parents about 
and will not let them feed, worrying and finally killing them by pecking them 
near the eye. 
He also says that the robins come into his cottage for food, and that if an old 
one comes in first, it is very soon followed by a young one and turned out. 
Hatfield. R. Blackett. 
118. Wasps. — In answer to No. 107 , may I be permitted to say that I 
think it unlikely that wasps often lose their stings in the manner described. 
Also from what one reads and hears of the vitality of these insects, I should 
fancy that the wasp would live, and live happily. Some years ago, I read with 
some surprise that a wasp, which was feeding on some honey, when cut clean in 
two above the abdomen showed not the slightest feeling, but went on feeding; 
the honey, meanwhile, coming out as fast as it went in. It was only when the 
wasp had begun to feed that it took no notice. If cut in two when it was 
walking then it rolled about (in agony ?). I question this because it seems to me 
impossible to imagine that the wasp was so absorbed in the honey as not to feel any 
pain. Would not the wasp, which rolled about in apparent agony, roll about in 
precisely the same manner even if it felt no pain ? I will not give an illustration 
of what I mean — it must be obvious to everyone who considers the case. I 
should like someone to explain how a wasp can be “absorbed ” in a thing. But 
I am afraid that I am wandering from the point. 
O. C. SiLVERLOCK. 
ASTRONOMICAL NOTES FOR MARCH, 1907. 
Venus will be a morning star rising at about 4.45 a.m. In conjunction with 
the moon on the loth. 
Mars will also be visible before sunrise, rising on the 1st at 2. 14 a.m., and 28th 
at 1.39 a.m., near the moon on the morning of the 7th. 
yupiter may be well seen in Gemini during greater part of the night. Near 
moon on the 20th. 
The minor planet Vesta will be close to the moon on evening of the i6th. 
W. F. D. 
