SUPPLYING THE COMMUNAL RATIONS 



they break the cavern seals and go forth to gather 

 leaves, which they chew and knead into pulp, and add to 

 the fungus garden. And this is the purpose of those 

 leaf-cutting expeditions which have enlisted the curiosity 

 of casual observers, and excited the ardent and attentive 

 study of many naturalists. They are to supply sub- 

 stance for the fungus gardens from which Attid ants 

 glean food for their young and themselves. 



Before this strange form of plant culture has reached 

 this advanced stage, however, Huber introduces us to a 

 remarkable observation, in answer to his query: How 

 does the Atta female keep the fungus alive ? For, plain- 

 ly, the scant substance in the mother pellet must soon 

 be drained of its original nutriment. How, then, are the 

 growing fungi fed? The queen tears with her mandibles 

 from her little bed a minute bit of the fungus, and applies 

 it to the tip of her gaster, which is bent under for the 

 purpose. She then emits a clear yellowish or brownish 

 droplet, which is at once taken up by the spongy tuft of 

 hyphse. Thereupon it is returned to the garden patch, 

 and patted into place with the forefeet. This per- 

 formance may be repeated once or twice an hour or 

 oftener, and several of the enriching droplets may be 

 seen at once scattered over the bed. If a piece of the 

 fungus growth from a maturer nest be supplied to an 

 Atta female at this stage, she is prompt to appreciate and 

 utilize the gift. She divides it, drenches it with her fecal 

 droplet, and builds it into her garden. Meanwhile the 

 mother feeds largely upon her own eggs, and when the 

 first larvaB appear feeds them also with eggs, pressing 

 them directly into the little creatures' mouths. 



Soon the first adults begin to appear, which are always 



minims, or workers of the smallest caste. This intro 



97 



