PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 44 
mass of mortar half as big as his body*, ready tempered: 
—this mortar is made of the finer parts of the gravel, 
which they probably select in the subterranean pits or 
passages before described, which, worked up to a pro- 
per consistence, hardens to the solid substance resem- 
bling stone, of which their nests are constructed. As 
fast as they come up, each sticks its burthen upon the 
breach ; and this is done with.so much regularity and 
dispatch, that although thousands, nay millions, are 
employed, they never appear to embarrass or interrupt 
one another. By the united labours of such an infinite 
host of creatures the wall soon rises and the breach is 
repaired. 
While the labourers are thus employed, almost all the 
soldiers have retired quite out of sight, except here and 
there one, who saunters about amongst them, but never 
assists in the work. One in particular places himself 
close to the wall which they are building; and turning 
himself leisurely on all sides, as if to survey the proceed- 
ings, appears to act the part of an overseer of the works. 
Every now and then, at the interval of a minute or two, 
by lifting up his head and striking with his forceps upon 
the wall of the nest, he makes a particular noise, which is 
answered bya loud hiss from all the labourers, and appears 
to be a signal for dispatch; for, every time it is heard, they 
may be seen to redouble their pace, and apply to their 
work with increased diligence. Renew the attack, and this 
amusing scene will be repeated :—in rush the labourers, 
2 The anonymous author before alluded te, who observed the Cey-~ 
lon white ants, says, that such was the size of the masses, which 
were tempered with a strong gluten, that they adhered though laid 
on the ypper part of the breach. 
