300 SUMMER. 



which these are arranged is not easily observed, as 

 when a part of the structure is removed, the breach is 

 always in a state of ruin, or at any rate in a state of 

 irregularity. We have heard it alleged that the whole 

 is a regular combination of uprights and beams, rising, 

 gallery above gallery, to the very top, and all having 

 a gentle slope outwards, in order to carry off any humi- 

 dily that may penetrate the outside covers. That may 

 be the case, though we never could observe it ; but 

 there must be some arrangement by which the struc- 

 ture is left open in all directions, and also protected 

 from the rain ; for on a fine day they may be seen 

 passing in and out at all places, and directing their 

 converging bands from all parts of the side to the 

 high road, when they leave the city, and spreading in 

 all directions, from the home termination of the road 

 as they return. On damp weather threatening 

 rain, two or three blows upon the hill with a stick 

 brought them simultaneously to the place in great 

 numbers ; and if a portion was displaced, they came 

 out to arrange it again. On opening some of these 

 hills after a very heavy rain, of which there is no want 

 in those parts of the country, we have found that the 

 water had not penetrated to any great depth ; but that 

 if a quantity of the materials was taken from the nest 

 dry, and piled up in a little heap, it was soon wetted 

 to the centre. 



The boles and branches of the trees are literally 

 alive with those ants ; and their manners would be 

 well worthy the attention of an entomologist for a 

 few weeks in the season ; the more so, that being 

 among woods and near waters, there are hundreds of 



