420 



Marvels of the Universe 



on a ledge or in a cranny of the rocks, or in the fork of a low tree, or amongst fallen logs. The 

 materials they use are sticks, bark, grass and leaves, and the inner part of the nest is lined with moss, 

 fibres and the bird's own feathers. Only one egg seems to be laid, which is a purphsh-brown in 

 colour, marked with spots and streaks of a darker tint. They are very clever mimics of the sounds 

 they hear around them, and are birds which might easily be tamed, domesticated and bred in 

 captivity. It is little else than a disgrace to the young nation of Australia that so marvellous a 

 form should be brought so near to extinction. 



THE DRIVER ANT 



BY LOUIS P. BOWLER, F.C.I. 



The large black species of Ant common to the African jungle is generally known as the Driver 

 Ant, for the reason that every living thing makes room for these ants to pass ; for if by an}' chance 

 a mouse or an elephant stands in their road, it is forced to speedily move on or remain and 

 be eaten up. The Driver Ants will not budge an inch from the direction they are bent on 

 travelling ; no obstacle \vill prevent their advance but fire or water. They reign supreme as 

 conquerors amidst the inhabitants of the jungle, and are universally respected in the insect and 

 animal world, commanding admiration for the resolute manner in which they carry out the 



\_Jiij i'lito, Lurreras. 

 DRIVER ANTS ATTACKING A SNARE. 



The snake is the Horned Viper, and it was attacked whilst casting its skin. The Ants covered every portion of its body, 

 hanging on by their pincer-like jaws. The snake writhed and struggled for a quarter of an hour, but in the end was killed 

 and finally eaten by the Ants. 



