1852.] Linnean Society, 175 



destroying the ligaments and the bones consequently not requiring 

 wires for their attachment, which in some of the more minute skeletons 

 it would be difficult if not impossible to apply. The labourers require, 

 however, careful watching, as after having eaten the muscles, they 

 occasionally destroy the ligaments, and even commence carrying off 

 the smaller bones ; a smart tap on the box is sufficient to drive them 

 away from the object, on which they all immediately move off in a 

 regular line to whichsoever opening they have entered at, leaving 

 the skeleton free. When the objects are too large, they quit them 

 suddenly after devouring what they think proper, so that sometimes 

 where overnight thousands might have been seen at work, in the 

 morning not one is to be found in the box ; and nothing is gained 

 by re-moistening the object, for they appear never again to touch 

 anything which they have once abandoned. In the summer their 

 vitality is great ; from the cavities of a skeleton that had been three 

 days immersed in water and afterwards placed in the sun, several 

 ants were seen to emerge and to become as lively as ever. But in 

 winter exposure to cold air, or immersion in water, when the ther- 

 mometer is below the freezing-point, produces instant death, sub- 

 sequent exposure to warmth failing in these circumstances to revive 

 them. Their sense of smell appears to be very acute ; if the finger 

 be drawn across one of their tracks, multitudes rapidly congregate 

 about the spot, examining it and sending out runners to explore the 

 vicinity. But if one of them be crushed by the finger and quickly 

 removed, the next comer is instantly arrested in his progress, encir- 

 cles the spot, ascertains the death, and communicates the intelligence 

 with such inconceivable rapidity that the whole line falls into con- 

 fusion, numbers rush to the place, parties set off in pursuit of the 

 ofi'ender, and woe to the unfortunate cricket that happens to be 

 found in the vicinity of the track. By degrees the tumult subsides ; 

 for some time afterwards, however, every ant that passes makes a 

 halt, but without quitting the line. Light does not appear to have 

 any eff'ect on their operations ; they are not disturbed by the ap- 

 proach of a c^dle, although the slightest touch of the box instan- 

 taneously effects their complete dispersion ; and the alternations of 

 night and day appear to make no difference in their numbers, per- 

 ceptions, or labour. 



Mr. Daniell was never able positively to ascertain the place of 

 their retreat ; he believes it, however, to have been in the earth 

 below the oven, and is inclined to think that they form a nest, inas- 

 much as they frequently carry off portions of vegetable fibre and 

 even the smaller bones, probably for the purpose of building, as they 



