1879.] NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 143 



The fact is interesting as indicating the origin of formicaries from 

 single queens, as myrmecologists have supposed to be frequently 

 if not commonly the case. Further, as showing the ability. of a 

 large number of ants (this nest was reported to consist of vast 

 numbers) to maintain active life under quite circumscribed environ- 

 ment. The insects sheltered in such numbers by old trees may 

 have furnished a large portion of the food supply. The speci- 

 mens brought by Mr. Wilcox were taken from a colony on the 

 land, which he supposed to be identical with the swamp-tree nest, 

 and were examples of Camponotus esuriens, Smith. 



Henry W. Stelwagon, M.D., Henry T. Coates, Wm. S. Magee, 

 James F. Magee, J. J. Kirkbride, M.D., and Robert Meade Smith, 

 M.D , were elected members. 



The following were ordered to be printed: 



