Marvels of the Universe 1139 
of the Luxembourg at Paris. Upon examining this abnormal branch, he found that it bore a certain 
number of Bedeguar Galls, having the characteristic mossy surface, but no galls occurred on the 
normal branches. 
As in the case of all gall-insects, young and growing tissues only are attacked. The female pricks 
a bud in spring; with the hatching of the larva abnormal growth begins, continues throughout 
the summer, and ceases only with the decline of the sap-flow in autumn, by which time the gall is 
fully developed. The gall is at its best in early September. It is then frequently very conspicuous, 
for the ‘‘ moss,” which was at first green, has taken on a bright red tint. A large “ pincushion ”’ is 
the result of the coalescence of several galls. If one of them is cut open, white larve will be found 
inhabiting circular cavities (see below) ; but as the gall is usually infested with numerous parasites, 
the determination of its rightful occupants is a matter of considerable difficulty. If the gall is 
removed with sufficient length of branch below it, the latter placed in a tumbler of water, and some 
gauze is tied carefully around the former, the inhabitants may be easily secured as they emerge. 
But as the Rev. J. G. Wood observes: ‘““ Even should the experimenter find the right species of 
insect in the gauze bag, he has to go through the wearisome task of searching through the family of 
Cynipide and identifying the species 
a process which every entomologist is rather apt to postpone 
until the visionary period when he shall have leisure.” Bedeguar Galls are of frequent occurrence 
on the Dog Rose and Sweet Briar. They were held in high repute by our forefathers and used 
medicinally. As late as the early part of the past century, the farmers in certain parts of Yorkshire 
made an infusion of them to cure diarrhoea in their cows. 
The leaflets of various wild roses sometimes bear a little greenish-white gall about the size of a 
pea. It may be found occasionally on a stem or a sepal, and is always attached by a small stalk. 
Photo by] [A. HZ. Bastin. 
BEDEGUAR GALL INTERIORS. 
The mossy galls have been cut through to show the grubs of the Gall-wasp ‘at work inside, excavating the fleshy 
substance upon which they feed (Magnified about five times.) 
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