160 RELATION BETWEEN ANTS. 
these were no doubt returning to 
the old nest, to seek inhabitants for the 
new. ‘This proved an additional source 
of knowledge. 
From that period, I put several of these 
republics to the same proof. I destroyed 
so often the roof of their underground 
city, that I completely succeeded in 
driving them from their residence. ‘The 
first and second time they repaired the 
breaches I had made; at the third 
they began seeking an asylum less 
exposed to such accidents. I then 
observed one of the labourers leave the 
nest, carrying one of its companions sus- 
pended by its mandibles: I followed it 
until it reached the border of a subterra- 
nean cavity, in which it deposited its 
burden. 
The number of these carriers or por- 
ters, at first but trifling, increased each 
moment. I only noticed, at the com- 
mencement, two or three in the path; but, 
after they had carried off several others, 
to begin their operations at the new ant- 
