122 OUT OF DOORS. 



twenty years, and found that on every fine day it was 

 crowded with ants going off for plunder, or returning 

 laden with spoils for the benefit of the community. 

 Even on wet and cold days, when the ants, who are 

 chilly beings, wisely stay at home, their roads are 

 plainly perceptible, and are marked out by their freedom 

 from bits of stick, leaves, etc., these having been re- 

 moved by the insects as materials for their nest. It is 

 always easy to find the nest by following up the road, 

 and the right direction can be at once learned by fol- 

 lowing the course adopted by the laden insects. 



The difference in the demeanour of those that are 

 setting out in search of prey or materials and those that 

 are returning home is most notable ; the former bustling 

 along with a quick eager step, looking this way and that, 

 running first to one side of the path and then to the 

 other, interchanging rapid communications with their 

 comrades, and altogether brisk and busy. But when 

 they have succeeded in their object they march steadily 

 homeward with a preoccupied demeanour, taking no 

 notice of passing events, and being apparently absorbed 

 in the one task of depositing their burden in its proper 

 place. 



The observer will do well while watching these 

 insects not to sit or stand upon or very near one of their 

 roads, for the ants have no idea of being pushed out of 

 the old paths, and are summary and fierce in their re- 

 venge upon intruders. 



As the ants pass and repass on their paths they hold 



