52 
COMBATS OF QUEENS. 
has ordained that both combatants 
should not perish in the duel ; but 
rather that, when finding themselves 
in the situation described, viz., bellv 
to belly, they should fly at the same 
moment with the utmost precipitation. 
Thus, when these two rivals felt their 
extremities about to meet, they dis¬ 
engaged themselves, and each fled 
away. A few minutes afterwards 
however, they again returned to the 
charge, and at last, the queen which 
was either the strongest or most en¬ 
raged, darted on her rival at a mo¬ 
ment when unperceived, caught her 
near the root of the wing and mor- 
