68 PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS 
mous fluid, long celebrated in chemical researches, and 
once called formic acid, though now considered a modi- 
fication of the acetic and malic*; which, when their ene- 
my is beyond the reach of their mandibles (1 speak here 
particularly of the hill-ant, or 2. rufa), standing erect 
on their hind-legs, they ejaculate from their anus with 
considerable foree, so that from the surface of the nest 
ascends a shower of poison, exhaling a strong sulphu- 
reous odour, sufficient to overpower or repel any insect 
or small animal. Such is the fury of some species, that 
with the acid, according to Gould”, they sometimes partly 
eject, drawing it back however directly, the poison-bag 
itself. Ifa stick be stuck into one of the nests of the 
hill-ant, it is so saturated with the acid as to retain the 
scent for many hours. A more formidable weapon arms 
the species of the genus Myrmzca, Latr.; for, besides the 
poison-bag, they are furnished with a sting; and their 
aspect is also often rendered peculiarly revolting, by the 
extraordinary length of their jaws, and by the spines 
which defend their head and trunk. 
But weapons without valour are of but ttle use; and 
this is one distinguishing feature of our pygmy race. 
Their courage and pertinacity are unconquerable, and 
often sublimed into the most inconceivable rage and fury. 
It makes no difference to them whether they attack a 
mite or an elephant; and man himself instills no terror 
into their warlike breasts, Point your finger towards 
any individual of F. rufa,—instead of running away, it 
instantly faces about, and, that it may make the most of 
@ See Fourcroy, Annales du Muséum, no. 5. p. 338, 342. Some, 
however, still regard it as a distinct acid, > p. 34, 
