GAIN OF A LOSS. 



191 



will, after some time, gradually fall off like autumnal leaves." 

 He also observes, that "a large ant-fly (contrary to other 

 insects) gains by the loss of her wings, is afterwards promoted 

 to a throne, and drops these external ornaments as emblems of 

 too much levity for a sovereign." But as female ants hold 

 little of the state and none of the authority of queens, he 

 would have spoken of their wings more properly as incum- 

 brances to their new matronly duties, one of wliich is the 

 construction of chambers in the earth. July and August is 

 their usual season for disrobing 1 . 



/ ; ,. ! 



JTrrntu-i) in likeneC^ at tftc 3fah$ Queen. 



