122 ROMANCE OF THE INSECT WORLD CHAP. 



ingeniously, and their interstices in some parts of the 

 nest are filled up with earth, grains, and scraps of dried 

 leaf, giving strength and solidity to the whole mount. 

 It is worthy of note that the longest sticks are reserved 

 for the galleries, in order to prevent by every possible 

 means the materials from falling in, and causing in- 

 terruption in the routes of communication. Due to 

 this orderly method of erection the domes can with- 

 stand the shocks both of rain and wind, without being 

 penetrated by the one or blown away by the other 

 The nest is completed by a corresponding labyrinth of 

 chambers and galleries in the ground, from which 

 mining system the earth granules utilized in the upper 

 fabric are obtained. 



To all appearances the entrances to the galleries 

 from the outside are exceedingly ill-fitted for the ex- 

 clusion of damp and of nocturnal intruders on the 

 ants' privacy. The openings exist at the owners' 

 pleasure. In the early morning they are nowhere 

 visible, and the nest is as though deserted ; or a few 

 small cracks are apparent, whence issue forth some 

 workers betimes. By-and-by, as the day advances 

 the passages are swept and cleared, and the holes are 

 made for the day, while the entire population become 

 actively engaged in their several avocations. Only if 

 the day be fine however. Should it rain the portals 

 are kept fast, or if the sky be cloudy they are partially 

 opened. The drawing in of night sees them wholly 

 closed, when all the inmates gradually retire to the 

 interior to enjoy rest from labour, confident of peace, 

 a few sentinels being left to guard the gates. Should 

 a brilliant morning and consequent wide-flung doors 



