326 MIXED ANT-HILL 
it out and placed it on the grass, and 
always observed the Legionaries pay 4 
visit to the neighbouring ant-hills. At 
length, expecting no further information, 
I resolved upon trying an experiment I 
had frequently meditated, and as often 
dismissed, on account of my close attach- 
ment to my prisoners ; this was to bring 
into immediate combat two Legionary 
armies. 
With this view I waited till I saw the 
Amazon Ants, inhabiting another mixed 
ant-hill, which was situated in the garden, 
quit it; when I hastened to place my 
artificial ant-hill: full im front of their 
advancing column. After a trifling com- 
bat, which took place at the door of the 
ruche, those in the interior went out in 
force, when the enemy’s column appeared 
desirous to avoid battle, taking at first 
another direction, then returning and 
re-entering their nest. Several ants from 
the ruche put themselves in pursuit: - 
some went even as’ far as the enemy’s 
garrison, where they were retained ; two 
