184 FECUNDATION OF ANTS. 
as queen bees, I shall sometimes give 
them the titles of queens. * 
To give a better idea of that species 
of interest which the females excite in 
the labourers, and the attention the 
* “ In whatever apartment.” says Gould, “a 
queen ant condescends to be present, she com- 
mands obedience and respect. An universal glad- 
ness spreads itself through the whole cell, which is 
expressed by particular acts of joy and exultation. 
They have a peculiar way of skipping, leaping, and 
standing upon their hind-legs, and prancing with 
the others. These frolics they make use of, both 
to congratulate each other when they meet, and to 
show their regard for the queen. Some of them 
gently walk over her, others dance round her, and 
all endeavour to exert their loyalty and affection. 
She is generally encircled with a cluster of attend- 
ants, who, if you separate them from her, soon col- 
lect themselves into a body, and inclose her in the 
midst. However romantic this description may ap- 
pear, it may easily be proved by an obvious experi- 
ment. Ifyou place a queen ant, with her retinue 
under a glass, you will, in a few moments, be con- 
vinced of the honour they pay, and esteem they 
entertain for her.” In reference to no rivalry be- 
ing experienced, he says, “You may sometimes 
expect to find two Yellow Queens in the same co- 
lony. I have once or twice met with three. They 
raost usually reside in the same lodgment, and live 
together in perfect harmony and union.’ — T. 
