132 . HOME STUDIES IJJ NATURE. 



Crematogasters — an interesting race, divided into many 

 clans or tribes. They often keep large herds of Aph- 

 ides — cows, the immortal Linnaeus called them — upon 

 which they are greatly dependent ; so the prosperity of 

 a colony may be known by its herds. The droves are 

 jealously guarded from marauding tribes who are less 

 fortunate in their possessions, and who frequently try 

 to get the control of the cows of their more wealthy 

 neighbors. 



In the summer of 1881 I witnessed an exciting con- 

 test between two colonies of the same species over a 

 fine herd. The pasture on which the cows were feed- 

 ing consisted of tender green herbage, and they were 

 in good condition and yielded an abundance of the sac- 

 charine fluid. Around this pasture was a space of bare 

 ground, where the troops were marshalled to keep the 

 neighboring colony from trespassing among the drove. 

 Tier upon tier, a solid phalanx extended around the 

 entire pasture, making it impossible for the invaders to 

 break through the ranks. The assaulting army was lean 

 and hungry -looking, but fully as large and strong as 

 the one attacked. There was no general engagement, 

 but every little while two of the opposing forces would 

 clinch and tumble about over the ground like two dogs, 

 but on relaxing their hold neither party seemed to be 

 hurt. "The cows were not neglected during this skir- 

 mishing. A host of kind and gentle milkers were con- 

 stantly employed in obtaining the fluid, patting and 

 stroking the cows with their antennae until they gave 



