224 IXSECT ARCHITECTURE. 



of dry sand so as to support one another, on some similar 

 principle, no doubt, to that of the arch. 



The nest which our turf-ants constructed in the flower- 

 pot was externally of an imperfect square form, in con- 

 sequence of its situation ; for they usually prefer a circular 

 plan. The principal chambers were placed under the 

 arches, and, when inspected, contained a pile of cocoons 

 and pupee. Beneath those upper chambers there Avere 

 others dug out deeper down, in which were also a numerous 

 collection of eggs and cocoons in various stages of advance- 

 ment. (J. E.) 



Mr. Knapp describes a still more curious structure of 

 another species of ant common in this country : — " One 

 year," says he, " on the third of March, my labourer 

 being employed in cutting up ant-hills, or tumps as we 

 call them, exposed to view multitudes of the yellow species 

 (^Formica fiam) in their winter's retirement. They were 

 collected in numbers in little cells and compartments, 

 communicating with others by means of narrow passages. 

 In many of the cells they had deposited their larvae, 

 which they were surrounding and attending, but not brood- 

 ing over or covering. Being disturbed by our rude opera- 

 tions, they removed them from our sight to more hidden 

 compartments. The larvas were small. Some of these 

 ant-hills contained multitudes of the young of the wood- 

 louse {Oniscus armadillo), inhabiting with perfect familiarity 

 the same compartments as the ants, crawling about with 

 great activity v/ith them, and perfectly domesticated with 

 each other. They were small and white ; but the constant 

 vibration of their antennae, and the alacrity of their 

 motions, manifested a healthy vigour. The ants were in a 

 torpid state ; but on being removed into a temperate room, 

 they assumed much of their summer's animation. How 

 these creatures are supported during the winter season it 

 is difficult to comprehend ; as in no one instance could we 

 perceive any store or provision made for the supply of their 

 wants. The minute size of the larvae manifested that they 

 had been recently deposited ; and consequently that their 

 parents had not remained during winter in a dormant state, 



