GAIN OF A LOSS. 



191 



will, after some time, gradually fall off like autumnal leaves." 

 He also observes, that "a large ant-fly (contrary to other in- 

 sects) gains by the loss of her wings, is afterwards promoted 

 to a throne, and drops these external ornaments as emblems 

 of too much levity for a sovereign." But as female ants hold 

 little of the state and none of the authority of queens,' he 

 would have spoken of their wings more properly as incum- 

 brances to their new matronly duties, one of which is the con- 

 struction of chambers in the earth. July and August is 

 their usual season for disrobing. 



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