290 J- W. BEWS. 



species fouud in Natal are Teriues trinervius Rcnnhur, 

 Termes latericius Haviland, and Termes natal en sis 

 Haviland. They form nests varying in form and position 

 according- to the species. Their nests agree in having the 

 outer parts carefully closed so as to exclude their enemies the 

 true ants. Mounds a foot or two in height and several yards in 

 circumference are common dotted all over the veld. A system 

 ot subterranean tunnels often extends over wide areas. I am 

 informed by Dr. Warren that the species Hodotermes 

 havilandi Sharp is abundant in parts of Zululaud, forming- 

 such underground tunnels. The white ants are thus con- 

 stantly excavating the soil, and bringing earth to the surface. 

 In their nests the earth pellets are cemented together. The 

 natives use the soil obtained from termite nests to form the 

 floors of their huts. Further, the termites carry up consider- 

 able quantities of soil over dead and living tree-trunks, 

 forming covered-in passages under which they work on the 

 wood in the dark. This soil is ultimately washed down by 

 the heavy rains. The general effect of the white ant on the 

 soil and the enormous amount of transporting that is done 

 by it can only fully be realised by those who have seen 

 the results of its activity. 



Great, however, as their effect on the soil is, it is more than 

 equalled by their direct effect on the vegetation. 



They act as the scavengers of the forest. Dead trees and 

 other plants are rapidly demolished. Nests of Termes 

 trinervius seem always to contain great quantities of little 

 pieces of grass stems. The vegetation, generally in the form 

 of wood, which is thus chewed up by the white ants, is used 

 largely for forming fungus-gardens, and there is room for a 

 great deal of investigation on this most interesting subject. 

 As a result of the activities of the white ant the bush presents 

 a remarkably clean appearance and there are few dead tree 

 trunks to be seen. Dead leaves, howevei", do accumulate and 

 remain undecomposed for a long time. Termites prefer 

 wood, and leaves are left alone. The ordinary processes of 

 decay, as brought about by bacteria, are not particularly 



