46 TERMITES ON A MARCH. 



time, several of the fighting insects mounted up the 

 plants which overhung the path the troop pursued^ 

 and placing themselves on the points of the leaves, 

 which were from ten to fifteen inches above the 

 ground, frequently tapped the leaf with their for- 

 ceps, which produced a general hiss, and a quicker 

 pace. After watching their progress for more than 

 an hour, they began to descend into the earth, 

 by two or three holes. It is remarkable that this 

 kind were furnished with two conspicuous eyes, 

 and, consequently, fitted for these excursions above 

 ground. 



It is not necessary to point out all the peculiari- 

 ties of instinct of each distinct species ; but it may 

 be curious to observe the varieties of the forai and 

 situation of their nests. One kind forms upright 

 cylinders of well-tempered black earth or clay, about 

 three quarters of a yard high, and covered with a 

 roof of the same material, in the shape of a cone, 

 projecting on all sides beyond the pillar. After one 

 of these turrets is finished, it is neither altered 

 nor enlarged; but if the community becomes too 

 numerous for the habitation, the foundation of an- 

 other turret is laid, within a few inches of the 

 first. These turrets are often increased to the num- 

 ber of five or six, at the foot of the same tree, 

 in the recesses of the woods. Within, they are 



