180 WARS OF ANTS. 
which we engage that we can compare 
those of ants; we may, therefore, tole- 
conical cavity of about two inches in depth ina 
loose, dry, sandy soil. It commences its operations 
by describing a circle in the sand, it then takes its 
' station within, and moving in a retrograde direction, 
shovels up the sand with its fore-feet on the back 
part of its head, which is flat and square, from which, 
py a sudden jerk, it is projected to the distance of 
several inches. As its work proceeds it describes 
smaller circles within the first, until they are re- 
duced to almost a mere point. Onits meeting any 
impediment to its labours, such as small stones, &c. 
it places them one by one on its head, and, if pos- 
sible, jerks them beyond the mouth of the pit; 
failing of this, it endeavours to deposit its load at 
the entrance of the cavern, by mounting backward 
with cautious steps, Its efforts are often unsuccess- 
ful, for the instability of the ground over which it 
is obliged to. pass renders this a task of extreme 
difficulty. It does not, however, forego its object, 
nor is it at all discouraged by two or three failures, 
but when every probability of success is withdrawn, 
it abandons its employment, and seeks another situ- 
ation, where it, with wonderful patience, enters 
upon another excavation.. Its residence finished, it 
occupies the lower part, concealing its body by a 
coating of sand. Here it quietly remains until 
some stray amit, passing this way, and venturing to 
