92 WASTE-LAND WANDERINGS. 



not the fate of any considerable number of the ants I 

 observed. Dr. Packard further says that these flying 

 ants, "having no more use for their wings, pluck them 

 off, and may be seen running about wingless." 



Had I spent an idle day, the injunction " Go to the 

 ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways and be wise," 

 might have been applicable; but soon after reaching 

 my home I found the tables turned ; the ants were con- 

 sidering my ways, were exploring every pocket, and 

 prospecting even deeper, perhaps hopeful of establish- 

 ing a new formicary. It is needless to add, that I en- 

 tered an effective protest. 



