12 ARCHITECTURE OF ANTSas 
of the ant-hill at its origin, when it is 
simply a cavity in the earth. Some of its 
future inhabitants are seen wandering 
about in search of materials fit for the ex- 
terior work, with which, though rather ir- 
regularly, they cover up the entrance; 
whilst others are employed in mixing the 
earth, thrown up in hollowing the inte- 
rior, with fragments of wood and leaves, 
which are every moment brought in by 
their fellow-assistants; and this gives a 
certain consistence to the edifice, which 
increases in size daily. Our little archi- 
tects leave here and there cavities where 
they intend constructing the galleries 
which are to lead to the exterior, and as 
they remove in the morning the barriers 
placed at the entrance of their nest the 
preceding evening, the passages are kept 
entire during the whole time of its con- 
struction. Wesoon observe it to become 
convex ; but we should be greatly deceiv- 
did we consider it solid. ‘This roof is 
destined to include many apartments or 
stories. Having observed the motions of 
