71 PREFACE. 



Although the observations of Huber, Forel, McCook, 

 and others are no doubt perfectly trustworthy, there are 

 a number of scattered stories about ants which are quite 

 unworthy of credence ; and there is also a large class 

 in which, although the facts may be correctly recorded, 

 the inferences drawn from them are very questionable. 

 I have endeavoured, therefore, by actual experiments 

 which any one may, and I hope others will, repeat 

 and verify, to throw some light on these interesting 

 questions. 



The principal point in which my mode of experi- 

 menting has differed from that of previous observers 

 has been that I have carefully marked and watched 

 particular insects ; and secondly, that I have had nests 

 under observation for long periods. No one before had 

 ever kept an ants' nest for more than a few months, 

 I have one now in my room which has been under 

 constant observation ever since 1874, i.e. for more than 

 seven years.' 



' I may add that these ante are still (August 1 882) alive and weU. 

 Tlie queens at least are now eight years old, if not more. 



