Note 6 — CHAP. III. OF THE FECUNDATION, &C. OF ANTS.

I kept in captivity, upwards of a month, four female ants, two of the Yellow and two of the Brown species: they still retained their wings. These members would seem to be employed on no other occasion than when they seek the males in the air, and search for a situation favourable to a new establishment. I have often endeavoured, in their natal residence, by irritating them, to induce them to take flight; but never could succeed. It was, however, in this instance, scarcely to be expected, since the amor patriæ would restrain them. I have removed them to a distance from the ant-hill, and placed them in the sunshine; but all to no purpose. It, therefore, appears, they neither dispossess themselves of these members until their impregnation has been effected, nor make use of them, unless for the sole purpose of meeting their paramours in the air, and seeking a place for the establishment of a new colony.—T.