HYMENOPTERA. 385 



The group of Mason ants contains a great number of varieties : 

 the Ashy-black ant (Formica fusca, Fig. 363), the Brown, the Yel- 

 low (Formica jZava), the Blood- red, the Russety (Polyergus ru- 

 fescens), the Black, the Miner (Formica cunicularia], the Turf-ant, 

 &c. All these species employ a mortar, more or less fine, in raising 

 their hillocks, at the same time that they hollow out their under- 

 ground dwellings. The Jet ant (Formica fuliginosa] excavates 

 wood ; hollowing out its labyrinth in the trunk of a tree with con- 



Fig. 363. Ashy-black Ant (Formica fusca). Male, female, and worker. 



summate skill. The Red ant (Myrmica ruba) plies, according to 

 circumstances, the trade of a mason or excavator. 



The masons work when they can profit by the rain or by the 

 evening dew, to make their mortar. They only go out after 

 sunset, or when a fine rain has wetted their roof. Then they 

 set to work. They roll up pellets of earth, bring them back in 

 their mandibles, and stick them on to those places where the 

 building was left unfinished. From all sides the earth-workers 



Fig. 364. Ashy Ant. Male, worker, and female. 



may be seen arriving, laden with materials. All these are 

 bustling, hurrying, busy, but always in the greatest order, and with 

 a perfect understanding among themselves. Every part of the 

 building is going on afc the same time. The apartments spring 

 up one above another, and the edifice visibly rises. The rain, the 

 sun, and the wind consolidate and harden the building so 

 cunningly contrived by these industrious workers, who have 

 received from God alone their marvellous science. With no other 



c c 



