198 [Aug. 



As soon as the prey is disabled, preparations begin for its transportation. 

 While the class whose duty it is, are laceratiiii; the flesh, and reducing it to a 

 state proper for removal, others are engaged in clearing a path between the 

 locality and their domicil ; the whole under the conduct of individuals of the first 

 class. 



This stage of their operations is intensely interesting to the observer. Tlie 

 facility and rapidity with which these little creatures, without the aid of eyes, 

 overcome mountain obstacles, is surprising beyond expression ; the greater the difh- 

 culty the greater their effort and perseverance. One is seen dragging along a straw 

 or stick many times his own length and size; another grasping, rolling, then 

 pushing along a stone far exceeding his own weight and bulk, and when his own 

 power is not sufficient, calling in the aid of others, each knowing thqt a W'ork is 

 to be done, none idle, and every one doing promptly his part. At first, in the 

 preparatory stage, there is apparently considerable confusion, the different classes 

 commingled, running backwards and forwards, and many missing the direct way 

 to their domicil. l?ut soon the soli'iersaro seen moving about with great activity, 

 evidently bringing the lines into order. After a while they arrange themselves at 

 different distances, on both sides of the path. The laborers are then kept within, 

 in too nearly right lines, one going, and the other returning; while on the out- 

 side are guards and scouts, intent upon the approach of danger, and ready to give 

 alarm. 



The pupae and prey are carried longitudinally under their body. 



Their bite is severe, and difl^ers from that of the soldiers among the Termites. 

 The latter work their mandibles, which are flat, in a cross direction, like scis- 

 sors. The former, with mandibles falcate, round and pointed, work them alter- 

 nately from side to side, penetrating deeper at stroke, till they meet beneath the 

 flesh. So tenacious is their hold, that frequently it is broken only by a separation 

 of the head from the body, and even then, the head will often continue to work 

 its jaws beneath the flesh with undiminished force. 



The degree of sagacity manifested by this insect in times of difficulty is very 

 great. On one occasion, having been driven from their domicil by the applica- 

 tion of fire, they congregated in vast numbers around and on the body of a neigh- 

 boring tree. From the lower limbs, about four feet high, hung several chains or 

 festoons of these insects, their jaws locked and their legs twined, one with 

 another, till they reached the ground. One of these chains, on my arrival, was 

 in the act of completion. Ant after ant descended gradually, lengthening it out till 

 it reached the broad leaf of a plant (Canna coccinea) below. It then swung to and 

 fro, in a breeze blowing stroncly from the sea, which rendered it difficult for the 

 terminal ant to secure his hold, and thus complete the desired communication. 

 After a few unsuccessful trials, another ant of the same class (the soldiers) 

 ascended the piatit, and taking his stand on the leaf directly under the vibrating 

 column, fixed his hind claws in the leaf, and raising his body on the apex of his 

 abdomen, reached forth his fare legs, opened wide his jaws, and closed in with 

 his fellow from above, thus completing the most curious ladder in the world. 



Another fact of great interest : should a stream of water of small extent, inter- 

 cept their course, they will compass it, but if this be difficult, they will throw 

 across a biidge of their own bodies, over which the main column marches with 

 freedom and safety. 



Another habit of equal interest may be here stated. A like assertion has been 



