FECUNDATION OF ANTS. 189 
deavoured to pass the opening which lay 
between it and the side of the glass. She 
placed her head almost every moment at 
this opening, making every effort to 
enter, as if she were aware there was a 
space underneath, where she would be 
more conveniently lodged. She at length 
found a place of sufficient width to 
thrust in the whole of her head. The 
ants in the lower story, rubbed her with 
their mandibles, and caressed her with 
their antenne, as if to invite her to fol- 
low them. Some seized her by their 
mandibles ; others, mounting upon the 
plank, drew her by her legs towards the 
lower apartment. She several successive 
times vainly attempted to insinuate her 
body. The ants collected around her, 
licked her, and seemed desirous to re- 
pair the injury her unfruitful efforts had 
occasioned. I now seconded the wish of 
these insects. Slightly moving aside the 
plank, the workers were enabled to lead 
the female to the bottom of her abode, 
without further obstacle, 
