PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 55 



the foundation and first establishment of those populous 

 nations of ants with which we every where meet. 



But though the majority of females produced in a nest 

 probably thus desert it, all are not allowed this liberty. 

 The prudent workers are taught by their instinct that the 

 existence of their community depends upon the presence 

 of a sufficient number of females. Some therefore that 

 are fecundated in or near the spot they forcibly detain, 

 pulling off their wings, and keeping them prisoners till 

 they are ready to lay their eggs, or are reconciled to 

 their fate. De Geer in a nest of F. rufa observed that 

 the workers compelled some females that were come out 

 of the nest, to re-enter it a ; and from M. P. Huber we 

 learn that, being seized at the moment of fecundation, 

 they are conducted into the interior of the formicary, 

 when they become entirely dependent upon the neuters, 

 who hanging pertinaciously to each leg prevent their 

 going out, but at the same time attend upon them with 

 the greatest care, feeding them regularly, and conducting 

 them where the temperature is suitable to them, but never 

 quitting them a single moment. By degrees these fe- 

 males become reconciled to their fate, and lose all desire 

 of making their escape; their abdomen enlarges, and 

 they are no longer detained as prisoners, yet each is still 

 attended by a body-guard a single ant, which always 

 accompanies her, and prevents her wants. Its station 

 is remarkable, it being mounted upon her abdomen, with 

 its posterior legs upon the ground. These sentinels are 

 constantly relieved : and to watch the moment when the 

 female begins the important work of oviposition, and 

 carry off the eggs, of which she lays four or five thou- 

 * ii. 1071. 



