6S PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 



in chemical researches, and once called formic acid^ 

 though now considered a modification of the acetic and 

 Qnalic ^ ; which, when their enemy is beyond the reach 

 of their mandibles (I speak here particularly of the 

 hill-ant, or F. rufa), standing erect on their hind-legs, 

 they ejaculate from their anus with considerable force, 

 so that from the surface of the nest ascends a shower of 

 poison, exhaling a strong sulphureous odour, sufficient 

 to overpower or repel any insect or small animal. Such 

 is the fury of some species, that with the acid, accord- 

 ing to Gould'', they sometimes partly eject, drawing it 

 back however directly, the poison-bag itself If a stick 

 be stuck into one of the nests of the hill-ant, it is so sa- 

 turated with the acid as to retain the scent for many 

 hours. A more formidable weapon arms the species 

 of the genus Myrmica^ Latr. ; for, besides the poison- 

 bag, they are furnished with a sting ; and their aspect 

 is also often rendered peculiarly revolting, by the ex- 

 traordinary 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 unconquer- 

 able, 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. rufa^ — instead of 

 running away, it instantly faces about, and, that it may 

 make the most of itself, stiffening its legs into a nearly 



* See Fourcroy, Annates du Museum, no. 5. p. 338, 342. Some, how- 

 ever, siill regard it as a distinct acid. " p. 34. 



