68 PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 



hill-ant, it is so saturated with the acid as to retain the 

 scent for many hours. A more formidable weapon arms 

 the species of the genus Mi/nnica, Latr.; for, besides the 

 poison-bag, they are furnished with a sting ; and their 

 aspect is also often rendered peculiarly revolting, by the 

 extraordinary length of their jaws, and by the spines 

 which defend their head and trunk. 



But weapons without valour are of but little use ; and 

 this is one distinguishing feature of our pygmy race. 

 Their courage and pertinacity are unconquerable, and 

 often sublimed into the most inconceivable rage and fury. 

 It makes no difference to them whether they attack a 

 mite or an elephant ; and man himself instills no terror 

 into their warlike breasts. Point your finger towards 

 any individual of F. riifa, — instead of running away, it 

 instantly faces about, and, that it may make the most of 

 itself, stiffening its legs into a nearly straight line, it gives 

 its body the utmost elevation it is capable of; and thus 



" Collecting all its might dilated stands " 



prepared to repel your attack. Put your finger a little 

 nearer, it immediately opens its jaws to bite you, and 

 rearing upon its hind-legs bends its abdomen between 

 them, to ejaculate its venom into the wound ^. 



This angry people, so well armed and so courageous, 

 we may readily imagine are not always at peace with 

 their neighbours ; causes of dissension may arise to light 

 the flame of war between the inhabitants of nests not far 

 distant from each other. To these little bustling creatures 

 a square foot of earth is a territory worth contending for ; 



' See Fourcroy, Annales dn Museum, no. 5. 3^3. 



