232 WHITE ANTS. 



thrown on the path at the middle of the regiment, either on its 

 way home or abroad, those behind it are completely at a loss as 

 to their farther progress. Whatever it may be that guides 

 them, they seem only to know that they are not to return, for 

 they come up to the handful of earth but will not cross it, though 

 not a quarter of an inch high. They wheel round and regain 

 their path again, but never think of retreating to the nest, or to 

 the place where they have been stealing. After a quarter of an 

 hour's confusion and hissing, one may make a circuit of a foot 

 round the earth, and soon all follow in that roundabout way. 

 When on their way to attack the abode of the white ants, the 

 latter may be observed rushing about in a state of great pertur- 

 bation. The black leaders, distinguished from the rest by 

 their greater size, especially in the region of the sting, then seize 

 the white ants one by one and inflict a sting, which seems to in- 

 ject a portion of fluid similar in effect to chloroform, as it ren- 

 ders them insensible but not dead, and only able to move one 

 or two front legs. As the leaders toss them on one side, the 

 rank and file seize them and carry them off." 



The white ants on which these sable monsters prey, and whose 

 tiny skulls are to be found piled about their barracks, are of 

 more apparent service than their murderers. Upon such tiny 

 laborers the great Author of all had devolved the task of pre- 

 serving and improving the soil which the indolent human in- 

 habitants do not appreciate. They are appointed to the her- 

 culean task of clearing away and burying the vast quantities of 

 decaying vegetable matter which abounds in the vast wilder- 

 nesses. It is wonderful by what puny agents many of the most 

 colossal works of time are accomplished. The tiny toilers on 

 land and tiny toilers in the sea are rearing monuments to in- 

 dustry and instinct which shame the boastful wisdom and strength 

 of man. These little ants labor too with much system and art. 

 They generally perform their work without coming where they 

 may be seen more than they are obliged to, and it is astonish- 

 ing how rapidly they work. Dr. Livingstone was accustomed 

 to spread grass in considerable quantities under the mat on 

 which he slept, and frequently these little sawyers would re- 

 move the entire supply during a single day and necessitate a 

 new bed for the second night. Indeed, we need only a fuller 



