LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 47 



each carrying a particle of earth in its mouth, 

 and commence repairing the breach. 



Although thousands are thus employed at the 

 same time, constantly passing and re-passing 

 each other, no confusion appears amongst them 

 all is industry and order. One of the soldiers 

 atone remains, who walks leisurely around, 

 without taking any part in the labor ; but occa- 

 sionally raising his head, he strikes with his 

 pincers upon the new work, and makes a noise 

 so loud that it may be heard at the distance of 

 several feet from the hill. At this sound, the 

 laborers are always observed to increase their 

 diligence. If, while all is thus quietly going 

 for ward, the person who is watching again strikes 

 upon the hill, the scene immediately changes. 

 The workers vanish through the passages and 

 galleries, and the soldiers take their places. When 

 all is again quiet, the soldiers retire, and the la- 

 borers return, laden as before, and if permitted 

 to remain undisturbed, continue their work un- 

 til it is completed. 



These little insects often do much mischief by 

 getting into houses and ware-houses, sometimes 

 destroying all the wood work in a single night : 

 but a very curious part of it is, that (having a par- 



