EGGS, &c. OF ANTS. 61 
Although several naturalists have studied 
the metamorphosis of ants, and described 
the principal circumstances connected 
with it, yet we are about to examine, un- 
der new relations, the developement and 
education of these insects in their differ- 
ent states. ‘The history of the egg had 
entirely escaped their researches, as well 
as several particulars in the mialony of the 
pupe and larve. 
My predecessors, not having madeuse of 
a glazed apparatus to observe what passed 
in the interior of ant-hills, had but very 
rarely seen these insects engaged in their 
household occupations; and this was not so 
so natural, when treating of numerous and perma- 
nent republics, such as those of ants. It would 
have been difficult to have mentioned every circum- 
stance connected with the reproduction of the 
species, before describing the interior of their habi- 
tations, and the method I found the most success- 
ful in my observations. The education of their 
young, being the chief end of all their labours, 
offers, in part, a picture of the manners of these in- 
dustrious insects. It is for this reason, the plan I 
now follow appeared the best to elucidate subse- 
quent remarks.—A. 
