071 Indian ants. 369 



surface, was a small oval chamber, perfectly smooth and 

 dome-shaped ; in this were arranged a number of little 

 round seeds, set out like cheese-cakes on a baker's tray. 

 From the habits of this species I should be inclined to 

 call it the " harvesting ant of Bengal." It was described 

 by Dr. Mayr from my first specimens, which were taken 

 at Nischindipore, having been kindly forwarded by my 

 old friend the late Mr. Frederick Smith. 



Pheidologeton lahoriosiis, Smith. 



This species can generally be found in the neighbour- 

 hood of Calcutta or Barrackpore, but it requires a little 

 searching, and I do not think it would attract the notice 

 of any one but an entomologist. The workers vary 

 most immensely in size, the workers-major running 

 through several distinct grades, and no one who had 

 not observed the nest itself could suspect any connection 

 between the noble, handsome, rich red-brown giants of 

 the first grade with the little insignificant yellow workers- 

 minor. These ants form their nests under bricks, 

 stones, flower-pots, rock-work, or any spot offering 

 shelter and shade of this nature. You occasionally 

 meet with them on the march, probably changing their 

 head-quarters, and when doing so they invariably form 

 elaborate and carefully constructed covered ways. The 

 little yellow workers-minor and the smaller grades of the 

 workers-major you may meet with in the open, but the 

 giant workers I have never found except by opening up 

 a nest or covered way. All the workers are pugnacious, 

 and when handled attack you freely, and the small 

 yellow workers and the smaller grades of the workers- 

 major with some effect, but the giants are perfectly 

 harmless, and it makes one feel quite sorry to watch 

 these huge, brave, conscientious, handsome fellows doing 

 their very utmost to grip you with their mandibles, and 

 doubling in their body, as if with the intention to sting, 

 but with absolutely no result. 



In forming their covered ways the workers-minor and 

 the smaller grades of workers-major work together most 

 industriously, carrying and piling up the little pieces of 

 soil with great quickness and dexterity, but I have never 

 observed the giants of the first grade so engaged ; they, 

 I think, have a special work to perform, which I will 

 describe. 



