us 



INSECTS ABROAD. 



are ransacked, and both the grain and the husks ground together 

 into a coarse meal. 



The fine Ant which is here shown was first described by Mr. 

 F. Smith, of the British Museum, in 1858. As may be seen, it 

 is almost equal in size to Componotus gigas, the wings being 

 ample and the body thick and rounded. The head is small in 

 proportion to the rest of the body. The colour is shining black, 



W**i 



"Sa 







I'm; 228.— Carebara dux. 

 (Black.) 



the polish being especially conspicuous in a broad belt round the 

 abdomen. It is a native of Southern Africa. 



We have already seen that the Ants partake of many human 

 characteristics, —how they make war with duly officered armies, 

 take captives, employ slaves, fight single combats by rule, gather 

 grain and harvest it. We have now to deal with an Ant that 

 possesses another characteristic of humanity, and that is, the 

 power of agriculture. Scientifically the insect is known as 

 Myrmica barbata, and popularly as the Agricultural Ant of 

 Texas. The habits of this wonderful insect have been carefully 

 watched by Dr. Lincecum, who has recorded them in a paper 

 read before the Linntean Society in 18G1. 



The insect begins by digging a hole in the ground, by way of a 

 wicket-crate or entrance, and around this hole it raises a mound, 

 generally about five or six inches in height, and from six to 

 ei<dit feet in diameter. Sometimes, if the nest be made en low 

 ground, where there is a probability of inundation, the Ant 



