278 HENRY C. MCCOOK. 



an appreciable interval of time ere the whole surface of the cone was 

 covered with insects. The black and red masses whirled in indis- 

 tinguishable mazes producing a very perceptible buzzing sound by 

 their rapid movements. Even for several feet beyond the hill, on the 

 opposite side, the excitement extended, and was manifest with almost 

 equal rapidity. 



Tree-paths.— The word tree-path, as used above, perhaps needs a 

 brief explanation. It was observed that the ants ascending and de- 

 scending the trees invariably kept to a beaten track, two or more 

 inches in width. In many cases this track or tree-path was stained, 

 the entire length of the trunk, a brownish-yellow color, caused doubt- 

 less by the formic acid which the ants secrete. The position of these 

 tree-paths is determined by the situation of the hill to whose domain 

 the tree belongs, for each community has its own special feeding 

 grounds upon which intrusion is rarely if ever made. The tree-path 

 is located habitually upon that part of the trunk which directly faces 

 the hill. This was verified by observations upon a very great number 

 of trees. One illustration may be given. The group of hills at PI. Ill, 

 as may be seen in the figure, was located in a considerable open space 

 entirely surrounded by oak trees. The tree-paths were distinctly 

 marked upon nearly all of these, showing long use, and on all of 

 them, were columns of ascending and descending ants. Starting at 

 any one tree, and following the circuit entirely around, it was found 

 that the positions of the tree-paths change as one proceeds, being 

 always inward and facing the hills. No test could be more perfect 

 than this, the conclusion being very much to the credit of the general 

 emmet-faculty for economizing time and labor. 



An Ancient Recor«l Confirmed.— It is worthy of note as con- 

 firming one of the most ancient records of the economy of ants, (Prov. 

 vi. 7), that in all these movements in column, and in all building and 

 foraging and police operations, the ants exhibited an entire independ- 

 ence and individuality of behaviour. Each emmet seemed to be a 

 law unto herself, and turned freely and commonly unfailingly into 

 the most helpful and necessary channels of duty, " having neither 

 guide, overseer nor ruler." 



Miscellaneous Food.— It will be best to introduce here further 

 observations made upon the food consumed by these ants. No sort of 

 attention was paid to grain and grass seeds thrown upon and near the 

 hills. Dead beetles, hornets and other insects were found surrounded 

 by groups of ants evidently intent upon utilizing the carcass for 



