FECUNDATION OF ANTS. 105 
elevating, so that they at length ap- 
peared to soar above the clouds. Arrived 
at this point, they so far from totally, or 
even in part disappearing, seemed to 
form a more compact body, becoming 
darker, from time to time. Other mov- 
ing columns, but more dilatory in their 
progress, followed the first, rising, in 
like manner, occasionally darting forth, 
or mounting after each other with equal 
swiftness. ‘These several columns con- 
tinued in motion during the space of 
half anhour. Each column presented a 
species of close net-work, and had an in- 
testinal or undulating movement. On 
regarding them a little nearer, I found 
them to consist of a numerous body of 
flying insects. ‘These insects, of small 
size, entirely black, and winged, pre- 
served the form of an unbroken column, 
continually ascending and descending 
with great regularity.” * 
One would be inclined to believe, that 
these winged ants, whose aérial excur- 
* Bomare, Dict. d’Hist. Nat. 
FO 
