215 



Besides the full sets of ordinary herbarium specimens, it was made a point to 

 secure a goodly quantity of flowers and small fruits, and preserve them in alcohol 

 for dissection purposes. 



On the second expedition I had no guide, but took with me a young Afi-ican 

 boy to climb the trees, so that I had to rely upon the services of a compass to 

 find our way to and fro in the dense forest. 



I am especially pleased to have had the opportunity of imdertaking what has 

 proved to be a most enjoyable and interesting expedition, outside of the scientific 

 object for which it was initiated. 



W. L. 



June 10th, 1896. 



206. -NATURAL HISTORY NOTES. 



No, 33. — Wood Destruction in Trinidad. 



In article No. 152 of the Bulletin, ia connectiou with a note on 

 Termitidge, I mentioned that there was evidence of the attack of fungi 

 on timbei' or trees previous to its destruction by Termitidae. Subse- 

 quent and regular observations have shown that in no single case 

 out of the many examined, has the ''Wood Ant," "White Ant" 

 or " Termit" been found to destroy wood which is tree from the 

 attack of fungi. 



On the other hand wherever the mycelium of a fungus has pene-' 

 trated into wood of any kind the "Termit" follows, apparently as a 

 matter of course, and commences to cut and carry away the tissue. 

 Besides the '* Termit" there is a species of true ant (perhaps several), 

 that follow the same lines, and cut up timber attacked by fungi. 



This fact is not surprising since the discovery of the nature of 

 the gardens of the "Parasol ant;" an insect that actually cultivates or 

 grows for food, the conidia of a fungus. 



The true ants which attack timber, march in columns during 

 daylight, and not in covered runs as do the " Termits" and when 

 these columns are seen in or near a building, it may be assumed as 

 certain that some of its timbers are attacked and being carried away. 



This insect as a rule maintains its nest in some neicrhbourinc; 

 tree, in a position sheltered from rain, and often travels to a consider- 

 able distance from the place where they are working at the destruction 

 of timber. 



Tlieir work is mostly hidden from sight, as it is generally the 

 hidden interior of viprights or beams that is carried away, as might be 

 expected, for the fungus will not so easily attack the better dried, 

 exterior parts, which it is usual to cover with paint or other preser- 

 vative. The attack is also seen to follow as a rule any point which is 

 rendered damp by leakage from the roof or other cause. 



