CHAP. X. WHITE ANTS. SOLDIERS. 305 



inspissated juices of plants, which, formed into little 

 masses, are stored up in magazines made of clay. 



(310.) Let us now bestow some at. 

 tention upon the soldiers (fig. 80.), 

 whose duties, although less laborious 

 or varied, are, nevertheless, equally 

 important and curious. The military 

 life is not remarkable for steady and 

 persevering regularity in the daily per- 

 formance of allotted labour ; it is either a state of com- 

 parative idleness, or of violent and perilous exer- 

 tion : and this picture is exemplified in the insect 

 army now under consideration. The sole duties which 

 devolve upon them appear to be, keeping a listless 

 guard over the royal cell or the more active labourers, 

 and defending the city. The first seems more allied 

 to form than to usefulness, for no observation has yet 

 detected any fact which would indicate intestine broils, 

 or civil commotions, in these peaceful societies; but 

 the second duty, or that which in military language is 

 called active service, is one of danger, and calls forth 

 all their courage and energy. If their habitation is 

 attacked, and a small breach made in the outer walls, 

 the labourers become exposed to view, but these, being 

 incapable of fighting, immediately retire, and give the 

 alarm ; upon this a soldier makes his appearance, ob- 

 viously for the purpose of reconnoitring, which done, 

 he also retires for a moment or two, and then returns 

 with two or three others. The alarm having now be- 

 come general within all the intricacies of the city, the 

 soldiers begin to pour out at the breach, particularly 

 if the attack is continued ; for it is remarkable that the 

 extent of their numbers is always in proportion to the 

 injury that has been committed. These little heroes 

 present a most astonishing, and, at the same time, a 

 most amusing, spectacle ; they seem to be influenced by 

 the most determined fury, and show the greatest rage ; 

 but, being blind, they cannot wreak their vengeance on 

 anything which does not come within their touch. 

 x 



