FECUNDATION OF ANTS. 127 
It appearsto me, then, certain, that the 
females do not reject their wings, but 
after fecundation; and that this act is, on 
their part, completely voluntary, when 
they are to change their mode of life, and 
withdraw to take all due care of the 
colony of which they bear the future 
germs. 
3. The Conduct of Labourers towards the Preg- 
nant Females. 
All the females do not quit the metro- 
polis : it is necessary some few should re- 
andsearch for a situation favourable to a new estab. 
lishment. I have often endeavoured, in their 
natal residence, by irritating them, to induce them 
to take flight; but never could succeed. It was, 
however, in this instance, scarcely to be expected, 
since the amor patrie would restrain them. Ihave 
removed them to a distance from the ant-hill, and 
placed them in the sunshine ; but all to no purpose. 
It, therefore, appears, they neither dispossess them- 
selves of these members until their impregnation 
has been effected, nor make use of them, unless for 
the sole purpose of meeting their paramours in the 
air, and seeking a place for the establishment of a 
new colony. —T. 
G 4 
