Note 8 — CHAP. III. OF THE FECUNDATION, &C. OF ANTS.

“In whatever apartment,” says Gould, “a queen ant condescends to be present, she commands obedience and respect. An universal gladness spreads itself through the whole cell, which is expressed by particular acts of joy and exultation. They have a peculiar way of skipping, leaping, and standing upon their hind-legs, and prancing with the others. These frolics they make use of, both to congratulate each other when they meet, and to show their regard for the queen. Some of them gently walk over her, others dance round her, and all endeavour to exert their loyalty and affection. She is generally encircled with a cluster of attendants, who, if you separate them from her, soon collect themselves into a body, and inclose her in the midst. However romantic this description may appear, it may easily be proved by an obvious experiment. If you place a queen ant, with her retinue under a glass, you will, in a few moments, be convinced of the honour they pay, and esteem they entertain for her.” In reference to no rivalry being experienced, he says, “You may sometimes expect to find two Yellow Queens in the same colony. I have once or twice met with three. They most usually reside in the same lodgment, and live together in perfect harmony and union.”—T.