5 6 4 
Correspondence. 
[September, 
WEATHER FORECASTS. 
It seems to be overlooked by meteorologists that when a season 
has taken a decided character, whether as wet or dry, the ordi- 
nary indications of a change seem to lose their meaning. In 1879 
all signs of fair weather, drawn from the 'appearance of the clouds, 
the actions of birds, and inserts, &c., were quite misleading. 
And in the present season I have more than once seen the com- 
monly accepted signs of rain go for nothing. The sky may 
become gradually overcast, with dark, ragged masses of under- 
scud, — there may be a “ hollow and a blustering wind,” swallows 
may fly low, slugs come out in numbers, bubbles of gas rise from 
ditches, &c., but the weather remains dry, or at the most, there 
is a slight shower. 
A Dweller in the Chilterns. 
WASPS AND THEIR HOURS OF ACTIVITY. 
Wasps are very plentiful this year in my neighbourhood, and I 
notice that twice daily they have times of especial artivity. 
From about half-past 9 till 11 in the morning they are very 
busy ; from then till nearly 2 we see but little comparatively 
of them, and after that they resume business until nearly 5 p.m. 
Is it known whether wasps and bees can recognise any man, 
dog, or horse which has happened to disturb them, or will they, 
if angry, attack indiscriminately any large animal which happens 
to come in their way ? 
J. C. 
