PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 97 
elder. About two miles from my residence was a nest 
of Gould’s hill-ant (/ rufa), which, according to M. 
Huber, shut their gates, or rather barricade them, 
every night, and remain at home?. Being desirous of 
ascertaining the accuracy of his statement, early in | 
October, about two o’clock one morning, I visited this 
nest, in company with an intelligent friend; and to our 
surprise and admiration we found our ants at work, 
some being engaged in carrying their usual burthen, 
sticks and straws, into their habitation, others going 
out from it, and several were climbing the neighbouring 
oaks, doubtless to milk their Aphides. The number of 
comers and goers at that hour, however, was nothing 
compared with the myriads that may always be seen on 
these nests during the day. It so happened that our 
visit was paid while the moon was near the full; so that 
whether this species is equally vigilant and active in the 
absence of that iuminary yet remains uncertain. Perhaps 
this circumstance might reconcile Huber’s observation 
with ours, and confirm the accuracy of Aristotle’s state- 
ment before quoted. To the ved ant, indeed, it is’ per- 
fectly indifferent whether the moon shine or not; they 
are always busy, though not in such numbers as during 
the day. It is probable that these creatures take their 
repose at all hours indifferently; for it cannot be sup- 
posed that they are employed day and night without rest. 
I have related to you in this and former letters most 
of the works and employments of ants, but as yet I have 
given you no account of their roads and track-ways.—. 
® Huber, 23. 
VOL. II, , H 
