220 STRANGE DWELLINGS. 



saloon pistol ; but the vacancies are soon filled up, and no 

 permanent benefit is obtained. But when the Foraging Ants 

 make their appearance, the case is altered, for there is nothing 

 that withstands their assault. As soon as the pittas are seen 

 approaching, the inhabitants throw open every box and drawer 

 in the house, so as to allow the ants access into every crevice, 

 and then retire from the premises. 



Presently the vanguard of the column approaches, a few 

 scouts precede the general body, and seem to inspect the 

 premises, and ascertain whether they are worth a search. The 

 long column then pours in, and is soon dispersed over the 

 house. The scene that then ensues is described as most sin- 

 gular. The ants penetrate into the corners, peer into each 

 crevice, and speedily haul out any unfortunate creature that is 

 lurking therein. Great cockroaches are dragged unwillingly 

 away, being pulled in front by four or five ants, and pushed 

 from behind by as many more. The rats and mice speedily 

 succumb to the onslaught of their myriad foes, the snakes and 

 lizards fare no better, and even the formidable weapons of the 

 scorpion and centipede are overcome by their pertinacious 

 foes. 



In a wonderfully short time, the Foraging Ants have com- 

 pleted their work, the scene of turmoil gradually ceases, the 

 scattered parties again form into line, and the procession 

 moves out of the house, carrying its spoils in triumph. The 

 raid is most complete, and when the inhabitants return to the 

 house, they find every intruder gone, and to their great comfort 

 are enabled to move about without treading on some un- 

 pleasant creature, and to put on their shoes without previously 

 knocking them against the floor for the purpose of shaking out 

 the scorpions and similar visitors. 



Every one who is accustomed to the country takes particular 

 care not to cross one of their columns. The Foraging Ants are 

 tetchy creatures, and not having the least notion of fear, are 

 terrible enemies even to human beings. If a man should happen 

 to cross a column, the ants immediately dash at him, nmning up 



