FOOD OF INSECTS 



57 



growth of ant-rice scrupulously free of all weeds 

 is permitted, and the produce of this crop is 

 carefully harvested at the right time of year, an 

 arrangement than which none could be more con- 

 venient. Two other ants, the one peculiar to Florida 

 (Pogonomyrmex crudelis) and the mound-raising 

 Occident of the great American plains (P. occidentals}, 

 are likewise believed to be extensive harvesters. 



In England as yet, and in countries of the same 



i iii ill Hill 



MfiHifi i ! 



i iS :* - 1 1 n ", 



a \\M I 



i ! > 



FIG. 4. View of honey-bearers as seen in natural site 

 clinging to the roof of a honey-room ; from McCook. 



or of colder temperature, harvesting ants have not 

 been found. Perhaps the difficulties in the way of 

 hoarding seed in good condition in the damp climate 

 of Northern Europe would prove insurmountable. 

 The food of European ants consists chiefly of 

 insects and other small creatures which would 

 not keep fresh, and of sweet secretions, vege- 

 table and animal. Yet in a way European ants are 

 provident, seeing that they can obtain a meal at will 



