THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 105 



specimens, and in doing this they have gone very far in advance 

 of anything hitherto existing. 



The largest case (which is occupied by a colony of Red Bull- 

 ants) measures 6 feet x 4 feet x i foot 6 inches deep, while 

 others measure 3 feet 6 inches square, and are capable of con- 

 taining an entire nest. Some of the sectional cases measure 

 4 feet X 3 feet. For the bees observatory hives of an 

 advanced pattern have been made. The area of comb under 

 observation in each case is about 12 square feet. The Trustees 

 hope that this section will be helpful to those practically 

 interested in the production of honey from a commercial point of 

 view. Then there are cases for the larvae of Lepidoptera, for 

 scorpions, tree-spiders, stick and leaf insects, beetles, and for the 

 rearing of various kinds of silk-caterpillars. 



The Trustees may, I am sure, rely upon the co-operation of 

 members of the Field Naturalists' Club to contribute live 

 specimens as the season advances. It may frequently happen 

 that during your excursions you may come across specimens 

 which, although perhaps not of the kind towards which you have 

 a special leaning, still would be very interesting to the general 

 public. May I ask you to assist the efforts of the Exhibition 

 Trustees by forwarding such unconsidered trifles to their 

 secretary, Mr. Thomas Short, who will gladly acknowledge 

 your contributions. 



THE BULL-ANTS OF VICTORIA. 



In speaking of the Bull-ants I am particularly referring to the 

 Black, M'/j7'mecia J'orjica'a, ¥a.hr., and the Red, M. sanguinea, 

 Smith, both of which I have had under observation in the insect- 

 house during the winter. I do not know whether they most deserve 

 the name of "Bull-dogs" from the square shape of the head, their 

 pugilistic disposition, or from their tenacity in retaining a hold. 

 They certainly deserve the title by reason of their courage. To 

 me the "Bulls" are but new friends, for I only made their acquaint- 

 ance in the early part of this year, but since then it has been close, 

 continuous, and occasionally lively. They are very similar in 

 structure ; the colour is their greatest difference, and next to that 

 the size, for the Blacks are a little larger than the Reds. They 

 are decidedly dissimilar, however, in habits and temperament. 

 The Blacks are more nocturnal in their habits ; comparatively 

 few of them show themselves under ordinary circumstances during 

 the day. A much greater activity is visible with the Reds. But 

 when once the Blacks are aroused they are active enough. If 

 you probe the nest they come teeming out with mandibles 

 extended in a very " let-me-get-at-him " attitude, so that in 

 digging out a nest and boxing between 600 and 700 you have to 

 look particularly lively or they will soon dance all round you, 

 showing a special preference for the part above the boots. I 



