IN A GLASS APPARATUS. 317 
assistance, by the aid of its antenne, 
until one that had little to do, seized and 
carried it into the nest. 
In eight days the ruche was completely 
peopled, and I was in hopes I had 
acquired a sure means of observing what 
passed in the interior of these singular 
republics. I hastened, then, to submit 
it to the proof. For this purpose, I 
carried out my ruche, and placed it upon 
the grass, allowing its inhabitants the 
full liberty of leaving it. I confess this 
was not done without some degree of 
apprehension ; for I might thus lose, in 
one moment, the fruit of all my care; 
but I was encouraged by the hope 
that the Ash-coloured Ants attached to © 
their work, would not abandon it so 
readily. 
The first day, the Negro Ants, availing 
themselves of their liberty, visited the 
environs of their abode. ‘They returned, 
just as I could wish. Some individual 
Amazons, also, went out, but were 
quickly brought back by their auxiliaries. 
P 3 
