UNDER THE MAPLES. 127 



until the remaining legs and wing were severed. All 

 of the flies were managed in the same way. The legs 

 and wings, as fast as the soldiers severed them, were 

 borne within by the workers. Sometimes the wings 

 were at first rejected and thrown among the debris, but 

 other more provident individuals were sure to find 

 them, and bearing them aloft like banners, carried them 

 into the city. In less than an hour all of the flies were 

 housed, the gate closed, and not an inhabitant was to 

 be seen. 



Each tribe has its own peculiarities. Lasius flavus 

 is a thieving, vagabond race, widely differing from the 

 Pheidoles, who have regular settled homes, while the 

 camps of the Lasius are scattered everywhere and often 

 changed. Sometimes several camps are near the city, 

 and prove to be a great annoyance to the citizens ; the 

 strolling tribes hinder them in their work, and interfere 

 with their funeral rites. Several workers are employed 

 among the Pheidoles to keep the dining-room in order ; 

 they bring out the chaff of grain, and shells of seeds, 

 and remains of insects after the feast, and deposit them 

 in a heap some distance beyond the gate-way. While 

 they are thus engaged a sentinel is always patrolling 

 around the gate to warn them of approaching danger. 

 The Lasius are the most dreaded enemy. They are sure 

 to be on the alert when the gate of the city is open, 

 ready to snatch prey from the returning hunters; or 

 they rush up to the' workers, to see if they are carry- 

 ing out anything desirable. So the sentinel, when she 



