ants live. The square centre shown is a block of wood fixed 

 in the cement wall of the cellar in which the ants burrow and 

 find nutriment. 



The conditions as regards light and moisture in cellars are 

 particularly favorable to the multiplication of those insects so 

 that every cellar with woodwork requires investigation. In this 

 same building in two other places where wood is embedded in 

 cement the ants are already at work. 



In buildings constructed wholly of cement those insects can 

 do no harm to the building, but they are liable to injure stored 

 papers, books or leather, just as they do wood ; but in cellars 

 with building supports standing on the cement, these may be so 

 heavily attacked as to cause collapse of the building. 



The white ants have been troublesome in Washington, D. 

 C, and southward, and those interested will find a full account 

 of their habits in Farmers Bulletin Xo. 759. 



The species of white ant found here is probably Leiico- 

 termes -ftavipes Roller, but its exact identity will be established 

 by the Department of Agriculture. 



49 



