443 
Habits of the Gutting Ant of Texas. 
irregular heaps of dry leaves, bits of leaves, and twigs. 
Otherwise the mound seemed lifeless, deserted. As the 
evening began to fall the scene was wholly changed. Hosts 
of ants of various sizes and in countless numbers were hurry¬ 
ing out of open gates into the neighbouring jungle ; and two 
long double columns were stretched from the bottom to the 
top of the large overhanging live-oak. The ants in the de¬ 
scending columns all carried above their heads portions of 
green leaves, which waved to and fro and glanced in the 
lantern-light, giving to the moving column a weird look as 
it moved along. It seemed like a procession of Liliputian 
Sabbath-school children bearing aloft their banners. It is 
this habit which has given this insect in some quarters the 
popular name of the u Parasol Ant.” It is also called in 
Texas the u Brazilian Ant,” but is quite universally known 
as the u Cutting Ant,” certainly a most appropriate name. 
The opening and closing of the gates occurs before and 
after every exit from the nest. The process is a long, careful, 
and complicated one, and was studied fully. Towards even¬ 
ing the gates are gradually thrown open, and so remain until 
morning, when they are gradually closed, the process con¬ 
tinuing in some cases until 10.30 A.M. The closing is done 
by carrying into the gallery bits of dry twigs of various 
lengths, some as long as 11 inch, dry leaves, and other refuse. 
A number of closed gates were opened to note the depth to 
which this refuse was placed. It varied from half an inch 
to an inch and a half from the surface. In some cases the 
gallery had been sealed up with sand pellets below the refuse. 
The galleries quite often slant inward from the gate, and at as 
great an angle as 45°. They also sometimes divide a short 
distance from the surface. These conformations allow more 
readily the process of closing. In carrying in the refuse the 
larger forms of the ant are engaged; as the hole gradually 
closes, only the very smallest appear. The last touches are 
carefully and delicately made by the minims, who in small 
squads fill in the remaining interstices with minute grains of 
sand ; and finally the last labourer steals in behind some bit 
of leaf, and the gate is closed. It then presents to the casual 
observer the appearance above described of a little heap of 
dry chips accidentally accumulated upon the mound. The 
galleries at Camp Jeanes were closed in the same manner. 
When the gates are opened at dusk this process is reversed. 
The minims first appear, deporting from the heap particles of 
sand. Larger forms follow, carrying away bits of refuse, 
which they drop a couple of inches, more or less, from the 
gate. This is a slow process ; and apparently little is aceom- 
31* 
