174 THE UNIVERSE. 



and wounded ; it was also covered with venom, and exhaled 

 a penetrating odor. Here and there single combats were 

 still maintained. The struggle began between two ants, 

 which locked themselves together with their mandibles, 

 while they raised themselves upon their legs. They quickly 

 grasped each other so tightly that they rolled one over the 

 other in the dust. Generally the two athletes were suc- 

 cored, and chains were seen of six or eight ants, locked one 

 with another, and dragging the two adversaries in different 

 directions, until either one let go, or was carried off by 

 superior strength." 



At the approach of night the two armies effected a re- 

 treat, and reentered their dwellings. But the next day the 

 carnage began again with still greater fury, and Huber saw 

 the melee extend over a depth of six feet and two feet of 

 frontage. The exasperation of the combatants was so great 

 that not one of them noticed the observer, or dreamed of 

 attacking him. 



CHAPTER VI. 



ARCHITECTS AND DEVOURERS OF TOWNS. 



IF we transport ourselves to tropical regions, where 

 nature, more vigorous than in colder climes, multiplies on 

 every side the sources of life, we see insects attacking the 

 possessions of man, and fighting with him foot to foot. 

 They assail his plantations or his dwelling, and wage a 

 regular war against him, a cruel and pitiless war, which 

 must at times be decided by the cannon. 



