36 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 



The fierce battles which frequently take place between these 

 two species often last many months, but in the end the small 

 species are always victorious. The fights generally start several 

 yards from the nest, and it is very interesting to watch the larger 

 ants marching out in the early morning to the battle-field. They 

 go in bands of from 12 to 20, and their movements seem to 

 indicate fear, as they very cautiously approach the enemy. The 

 first little ant met with is immediately nipped in two by the strong 

 mandibles of the larger species, but in a moment a second little 

 one has fastened on to one of its legs, While he is vainly 

 endeavouring to free himself of his little foe, others attack him on 

 all sides, and seize hold of the nearest leg, until by force of 

 numbers he is completely conquered. Others may approach to 

 render assistance to their comrade, only to share his fate in the 

 same manner. It is almost amusing to see the larger ants^ 

 dodging from side to side, and lifting one leg and then another, 

 trying to evade their energetic little tormentors. The fight 

 continues in this way, hour after hour, until hundreds of dead and 

 dying ants of both species are to be seen strewn over the battle- 

 field. The smaller species are killed in hundreds, one bite from 

 the powerful jaws of their opponents being generally sufficient to 

 finish them off. They seem, however, to take it as a matter of 

 course, and as reinforcements from the numerous nests close by 

 are continually replacing those killed or disabled, they are 

 probably not missed. 



Early in the following morning the larger species gather in their 

 dead, carrying them off to their nest. The smaller species does 

 the same, though later on, as the day gets warmer. The cold 

 and exposure at night seems to kill many of the ants which have 

 been too disabled to reach their nests. 



It is strange to see one section of the colony in deadly conflict 

 with their foes, and the others working away as usual, as though 

 nothing was the matter. 



After completely annihilating their enemies, the smaller species 

 take possession and make use of their nest. 



I have not been able to find out what is really the cause of 

 these battles, but I am of opinion that it is not only for the 

 possession of the nest. I think it more probable that their chief 

 object is to secure sole possession of their feeding-grounds. 

 Perhaps some other observers may be able to throw some light 

 on the subject. 



Another Giant Tree. — The Leader of 27th May last illus- 

 trates another of our giant eucalypts, said to be the largest in 

 Victoria. This is situated at Mount Horsfall, on the southern 

 boundary of the Yarra watershed. Its circumference is given as 

 78 feet at six feet from the ground ; its height is not stated. 



