i2 4 INSECT BEHAVIOR 



the army like hawks, suddenly diving like lightning upon some dainty 

 morsel with which to provision their nests. 



Likewise there were flocks of birds, thus gaining a living at the 

 expense of the ants who drove forth their favorite insects. Some 

 were tiny species, impertinent and talkative and sombre in color, 

 others were larger, decked with crests of snow white plumes. One 

 learned to associate these birds and insects, for where a flock of one 

 was heard the other was sure to be also. 



For many hours I watched this army'at its deadly work. Then at 

 length the fury of their drive diminished. One by one the warriors 

 made their way to the temporary den in the heart of a rotting forest 

 giant and by afternoon no signs of activity remained upon the forest 

 floor. 



Would that I might have seen within that aged and broken tree, 

 for there, no doubt, a royal banquet was in progress. Perhaps 

 another, more fortunate than I, may some day tell us what goes on, 

 when the tired warriors return laden to their queen. My notes are 

 but a drop in the bucket, and the army ants have still much to tell us. 



