FORMICA. 285 



reinforcement. From time to time little companies of these insects 

 came from the garrison to strengthen the brigade. They now 

 advanced a little nearer, and seemed more willing to run the risk 

 of a general engagement ; but in proportion as they approached 

 the Negro dwelling, the more solicitous did they seem to dispatch 

 couriers to the garrison, who arriving in great haste produced 

 considerable alarm, when another division was immediately ap- 

 pointed to join the army. The Sanguine Ants, although thus 

 reinforced, evinced little or no eagerness for combat, and only 

 alarmed the Ash-coloured Ants by their presence. The latter took 

 up a position in front of their nest of about two feet square, where 

 nearly their whole force was assembled to await the enemy. Fre- 

 quent skirmishes take place all around the camp, the besieged 

 always attacking the besiegers. The Negro Ants, judging from 

 their number, announce a vigorous resistance ; but distrusting 

 their own strength, they look to the safety of the little ones confided 

 to their care, and in this respect show us one of the most singular 

 traits of prudence of which the history of insects can furnish an 

 example . Even long before success is in any way dubious, they bring 

 the pupae from the subterranean chambers, and heap them up on 

 the side of their nest, opposed to that where the Sanguine army 

 is stationed, in order to carry 'them off with the greater readiness 

 should the fate of arms be against them. Their young females 

 escape on the same side. The danger becomes more imminent ; the 

 Sanguine Ants, sufficiently reinforced, throw themselves in the 

 midst of the Negroes, attack them on all points, and arrive to the 

 very gates of their city. The latter, after a brisk resistance, re- 

 nounce its defence, seize upon the pupae deposited on the outside 

 and convey them to a place of safety. The Sanguine Ants pursue, 

 and endeavour to steal from them their treasure. The whole body 

 of Negro Ants are in flight ; some few pass through the enemy's 

 rank, and, at the hazard of their lives, enter once more their habita- 

 tion, and expeditiously carry off the larvae, that would otherwise 

 remain devoted to pillage. The Sanguine Ants descend into the 

 interior, take possession of the avenues, and appear to establish 

 themselves in the devastated city. Little bands of troops con- 

 tinually pour in from the garrison, and begin taking away the re- 

 mainder of the larvae and pupae, establishing an uninterrupted 

 chain from one ant-hill to the other : thus the day passes and night 

 comes on, before they have transported all their booty. A con- 

 siderable number of Sanguine Ants still remain in the Negro 

 residence, and on the following morning, at break of day, recom- 

 mence the transfer of the rest of its contents. When they have 

 taken away all the pupae and larvae, they then carry each other 

 to the garrison, a few only remaining behind." 3 



Huber goes on to say that eventually the raiders changed their 

 residence, establishing themselves in that of the fusca colony, and 



