18*9.] 195 



in return for a copy of his late work, in two volumes, " Monographie 

 des Phytophages," and also proposing an exchange of Coleoptera of 

 North America for those of Europe. 



From M. Fischer de Waldheim, dated Moscow, 1st May, 1849, ac- 

 knowledging the reception of his notice of election as a Correspondent. 



Mr. Cassin called the attention of the Society to the specimen of Anas Rafflesii. 

 King, (Jard. and Selby 111. Orn. n. s., pi. 23,) presented this evening by E. Pi- 

 late, M. D., of Opelousas, La. This, Mr. C. stated, is the first instance of the 

 capture of this species within the limits of the United States, to the fauna of 

 which it is an addition of the highest interest. 



Dr. Pilate, who obtained the present specimen in the neighborhood of his resi- 

 dence, represents it as the only one which has come under his observation. To 

 this gentleman, who is ardently devoted to the study of Ornithology, the Academy 

 is highly indebted for this valuable specimen. 



August 2Stk. 



Vice President Morton in the Chair. 



The Committee to which was referred the paper of Dr. Savage, on 

 the Driver Ants of West Africa, reported in favor of its publication in 

 the Proceedings of the Academy, with some additional observations by 

 the Committee, suggested by the specimens sent by Dr. Savage with 

 the paper. 



The Driver Ants of Western Africa. 

 By Thomas S. Savage, M. D. 



These remarkable and interesting insects have been, till quite recently, with- 

 out their place in our systems of Natural History. Occasional, but very imperfect 

 notices have been given from the time of Smeathman and Afzelius to the present, 

 of one or two annoying features in their economy; but till now^, no regular de- 

 scription either of their entomological character or habits. 



In 1845, the author of this article, after a series of observations, sent, in com- 

 pliance with a promise, a detailed account of their habits, with numerous speci- 

 mens, to J. O. Westwood, Esq., Secretary of the Entomological Society of 

 London.* 



Mr. W. dissected with that minuteness and accuracy for which he is so remark- 

 able, individuals of the three classes into which they had been divided, and pub- 

 lished the results with illustrations, supplementary to the account, in the Transac- 

 tions of the Society. 



The insect in its perfect state, had not then been discovered. Neuters with 

 larvas and pupae only were sent. The former only, (neuters) it seems, arrived 

 in a state for examination. This is the more to be regretted, since, soon after send- 

 ing his account to London, the author left the locality for his health, without the 

 prospect of returning. 



* See Vol. 5, First Part, Transactions of London Entomological Society, for re- 

 marks of Mr. W., and the account of the habits of the insects, more in detail. 



