70 HISTORY OF INSECTS. 



through large groves ; and having, where it is possible, 

 subteiTanean pipes running parallel with them, into which 

 they sink and save themselves, if their galleries above 

 ground are destroyed by any violence, or the tread of men 

 or animals alarm them. When a person accidentally enters 

 any solitary grove, where the ground is pretty well co- 

 vered with their arched galleries, they give the alann by 

 loud hissings, which are distinctly heard at every step ; 

 soon after this their galleries may be searched in vain for 

 the insects ; but little holes are found, just large enough 

 to admit of their escape into the subterraneous roads. 

 These galleries are of sufficient size to allow the Termi- 

 tes to pass and repass without stopping each other (though 

 there are always numerous passengers), and to shelter 

 them equally from light and air, as well as from their ene- 

 mies, of which the ants, being the most numerous, are the 

 most formidable. 



The Termites, except their heads, are exceedingly soft, 

 and are covered with a very thin and delicate skin ; being 

 blind, they are no match on open ground for the ants, who 

 can see, and are all of them covered with a strong, horny 

 shell not easily pierced, and are of dispositions bold, active 

 and rapacious. Whenever the Termites are dislodged from 

 their covered ways, the various species of ants, which are 

 probably as numerous above ground as the Termites are in 

 their subterranean passages, instantly seize and drag them 

 away to their nests, to feed the young brood. They are 

 therefore exceedingly solicitous about preserving their 

 covered ways in good repair ; and if one of these be de- 

 molished for a few inches in length, it is wonderful how 

 soon they will rebuild it. At first in their hm-ry they run 

 in to. the open part an inch or two, but stop so suddenly that 

 it is evident they are surprised ; for though some Avill run 

 straight on, and get under the ftirther part of the arch as 



