54 



ZOOLOGY 



appropriate place to begin tlie formation of a new colon}-. If 

 b}' chance a queen is discoverccl ]>y some of her workers, she 

 is cared for by them ; otherwise she must get on alone. She 

 makes a small nest and lays eggs, which quickly develop into 



Fig. 59. — Mound ovor ants' nest, Nevada. 



workers, which then assume the task of constructing the nest 

 of the new colony. The nests of our ordinarj^ species consist 

 simply of tunnel-like passageways dug in the ground and en- 

 larged at intervals to form small chambers. INIost species dig 

 their nests preferably under protecting stones or the roots of 

 trees ; in other cases a hillock of earth and twigs, an " ant- 

 hill," is constructed. These mounds may attain a diameter 

 of from six to ten feet (Fig. 59). 



Ant Language. — In connection mth their communal life 

 ants have gained a power of communication. By the agency 

 of their antenmr, with which two comrades are constantly 



