ANIMAL KINGDOM. 113 



From these details, which are too incomplete, perhaps, but which 

 are strictly true, it is easily seen that the nests of the parasol- 

 ants are constructed on a well-devised plan. Not only is the 

 spherical form adopted in their underground architecture the best 

 adapted to resist pressure, but thick walls are left between the 

 chambers ; a communication, as has been observed, is also 

 established between them, with a common passage or outlet, 

 which serves mainly for the discharge of all impurities, and so 

 constructed as not to interfere with the regular operations of the 

 township, or be a nuisance to the population ; in case of inunda- 

 tion, likewise, the water is drained off through the same sewer. 

 So much for the ingenuity and industry of the parasol-ants. 



The females are nearly three-quarters of an inch long in the 

 larger species ; the labourers vary in size, from one-eighth to 

 two-thirds of an inch. The larger ants seldom go out to forage, 

 and in all such cases never carry their share of the provender, but 

 they seem to act as inspectors to enforce order and rebuke lazi- 

 ness : their principal office, however, seems to be the protection 

 of the township ; for the moment any stranger disturbs the forti- 

 fication, these garrison soldiers come out in large numbers, with 

 their mandibles open, and ready for action. 



The parasol-ants do not sting, but bite ; their mandibles are 



like two small saws ending in a sharp point, and which serve to 



Icut or carve out small portions of the leaves which constitute 



|their food ; in the same manner they incise the skin, so as to 



jdraw blood. These ants venture out after sunset, generally, 



[although during rainy days they come out earlier, and in the 



morning also, keeping in their nest during the heat of the day. 



{The roads which lead from the nest to the plants they attack are 



from four to six inches wide ; all grasses are cut close to the 



ground, and every particle of vegetation, as also small gravel, is 



j'emoved, so that the road remains clear, and perfectly free from 



itll obstacles. Myriads of the parasol-ants traverse these roads 



lit night in search of food ; two or more trees may be attacked 



Lt the same time, and a branch-road leads to each. The parasol- 



j.nts feed in preference on certain particular plants — as the 



range-tree, the manioc, the yam, the young cacao — and gene- 



ially are found to select the most delicate herbage : they feed 



evertheless on almost any others, whenever those they prefer are 



jot within reach — excepting, however, strongly aromatic plants, 



