120 FECUNDATION OF ANTS. 
the moment we leave the high-road of 
observation to be guided by what ap- 
pear to us general rules. But let us re- 
turn to the history of ants, which fur- 
nishes us many examples of the ineffi- 
ciency of our conjectures. 
What will be the destiny of those ants 
who have been united with the males in 
the air, and who have just mutilated them- 
selves? We already know they never 
return to their natal abode. 
As soon as they have lost their wings, 
we observe them running over the ground 
seeking an asylum. It would be ex- 
tremely difficult at this time to follow 
them, on account of the several turnings 
and windings they make in the fields, and 
among the grass. I have not succeeded 
in tracing them at the moment of their 
first establishment, but I rest perfectly 
assured, from some experiments, that 
those females who are not called upon 
to discharge any duty in the natal ant- 
hills, and who appear incapable of acting 
by themselves, animated by maternal love, 
1 Ses 
