148 



through the apex of the cone an iron hook passes, which 

 attaches to the rope above and the larder below in such 

 a manner that when this is in place ants which attempt 

 to reach the interior of the larder by travelling down the 

 rope by which it is hung find their progress impeded by 

 the water and oil contained in the cone. (Fig. 156.) 



Ants may be collected and killed by the use of a 

 sponge which has been dipped in a sugar and water mix- 

 ture, or the hoofs of cows, called cow heels, or any bone 

 such as chicken, beef, or mutton bones. These may be 



Fig 156. Hook for hanging safe. 

 (Original.) 



put down where ants are abundant, and when they are 

 covered with the insects, dropped into boiling water. If this 

 is repeated frequently for two or three days, a sufficient 

 number of ants will be killed to afford relief from their 

 ravages. Some species of ants apparently leave the nest 

 and establish anew one when they find their numbers rapid- 

 ly diminishing. It must be borne in mind, however, that 

 ants are not always attracted to the same food or bait, some 

 species being very fond of sugar and starchy substances, 

 while others are fond of meat, and if one form of bait is 

 not found effective it is necessary to try another. 



