Mason-Ants. 293 



had not only reared a pyramidal mound to prop the rest, but 

 had constructed several galleries and chambers for lodging 

 the cocoons, which we had scattered at random amongst the 

 sand. The new portion of this building is represented in the 

 figure as supporting the upper and insecure parts of the 

 nest. 



We are sorry to record that our ingenious little masons 

 were found upon the third day strewed about the outside of 

 the building dead or dying, either from over-fatigue or per- 

 haps from surfeit, as we had supplied them with as much 

 honey as they could devour. A small colony of turf- ants 

 have at this moment (July 28th, 1829) taken possession of 

 the premises of their own accord. ( J. E.) 



