,- 



Ants climbing grass, &c. previously to taking their flight in Autumn. 



CHAPTER V. 



HISTORY OF THE YELLOW ANT.* 



IN describing ants, it should be observed that consi- 

 derable difference exists in the manners of the different 

 species : it is best, therefore, to confine our attention to 

 one only, and for this purpose the yellow ants may be 

 selected. These collect near their habitation all the little 

 bits of stubble, wood, leaves, small pebbles, or any thing 

 they can readily convey, that will serve to increase its 

 height : thus, shells sometimes find their way to the heap, 

 and not uncommonly also wheat, oats and barley ; whence 

 the fame which these little creatures have obtained for 

 the virtue of providence, a fame certainly undeserved on 

 the score of making provision for the winter, as in that sea- 

 son they never eat. 



* Authority : * Recherches sur les Mceurs des Fourmis Indigenes,' 

 par P. Huber. 



