308 HABITS AND INSTINCTS OF ANIMALS. CHAP. X, 



yard, this immense host divided into two columns, 

 chiefly composed of labourers, about fifteen abreast, 

 following each other in close order, and going straight 

 forward. " Here and there was seen a soldier, carry- 

 ing his vast head with apparent difficulty, and looking 

 like an ox in a flock of sheep, who marched on in 

 the same manner, at the distance of a foot or two from 

 the columns ; many other soldiers were to be seen, 

 standing still, or pacing about, as if upon the look out 

 lest some enemy should suddenly surprise their un- 

 warlike comrades. But the most extraordinary and 

 amusing part of the scene was exhibited by some other 

 soldiers, who, having mounted some plants ten or 

 fifteen inches from the ground, hung over the army 

 marching below, and by striking their jaws upon the 

 leaves, at certain intervals, produced the noise above 

 mentioned : to this signal the whole army returned a 

 hiss, and immediately increased their pace. The 

 soldiers at these signal stations sat quite still during 

 these intervals of silence, except now and then making 

 a slight turn of the head, and seemed as solicitous to 

 keep their posts as regular sentinels. After marching 

 separately for twelve or fifteen paces, the two columns 

 of this army again united, and then descended into the 

 earth by two or three holes. Mr. Smeathman watched 

 them for more than an hour, without perceiving their 

 numbers to increase or diminish. The soldiers, how- 

 ever, who quitted the line of march, and acted as sen- 

 tinels, became much more numerous before he quitted 

 the spot. It should be observed, that both the labourers 

 and soldiers of this species are furnished with eyes. 



(313.} There is another race of white ants, which, 

 unlike the two former, fix their habitations in trees 

 and dwellings. These are the Termites arborum of our 

 author ; but it is probable several species inhabit Africa, 

 and that those of America are also different. We must 

 confine our notice, of these to a few particulars mentioned 

 by Mr. Smeathman, adding some remarks of our own 

 upon those found in Brazil. Regarding those of Africa, 



