302 AMAZON ANTS. 
rare; I never observed it in society but 
once, and this society consisted only of 
a few members. It runs remarkably 
quick, and makes its nest, I believe, in the 
earth.” Had there been any association 
with the auxiliary ants, this careful ob- 
server would doubtless have noticed and 
been much struck with it.* I look 
upon it, therefore, as an almost certain 
fact, that the Rufescent Ants, before they 
are accustomed to the services of the 
Ash-coloured and Mining Ants, can put 
in use faculties which lie dormant when 
they become associated with these aux- 
iliaries. It even happens they will 
sometimes assume their office, that is, 
change parts with them: a fact of which 
I have been once, and once only, a 
witness. 
* Since this passage was written M. Latreille has 
frequently witnessed these mixed societies, or the 
association in one common abode of the Rufescent 
Ants with its auxiliaries, (the Ash-coloured and 
the Mining Ant). He takes the opportunity of 
paying a high compliment to our Author for this 
discovery. — T. 
