PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 41 



this mortar is made of the finer parts of the gravel, 

 which they probably select in the subterranean pits or 

 passages before described, which, worked up to # pro- 

 per consistence, hardens to the solid substance resem- 

 bling stone, of which their nests are constructed. As 

 fast as they come up, each sticks its burthen upon the 

 breach ; and this is done with so much regularity and 

 dispatch, that although thousands, nay millions, are 

 employed, they never appear to embarrass or interrupt 

 one another. By the united labours of such an infinite 

 host of creatures the wall soon rises and the breach is 

 repaired. 



While the labourers are thus employed, almost all the 

 soldiers have retired quite out of sight, except here and 

 there one, who saunters about amongst them, but never 

 assists in the work. One in particular places himself 

 close to the wall which they are building; and turning 

 himself leisurely on all sides, as if to survey the proceed- 

 ings, appears to act the part of an overseer of the works. 

 Every now and then, at the interval of a minute or two, 

 by lifting up his head and striking with his forceps upon 

 the wall of the nest, he makes a particular noise, which 

 is answered by a loud hiss from all the labourers, and 

 appears to be a signal for dispatch ; for, every time it is 

 heard, they may be seen to redouble their pace, and ap- 

 ply to their work with increased diligence. Renew the 

 attack, and this amusing scene will be repeated : in rush 

 the labourers, all disappearing in a few seconds, and out 

 march the military as numerous and vindictive as before. 

 When all is once more quiet, the busy labourers re- 

 appear, and resume their work, and the soldiers vanish. 

 Repeat the experiment a hundred times, and the same 



