THB ANT-LION. 



Grub n/t/ic Ant-I.ivn magnified, with one perfect Trap, 

 and another begun. 



loose sand, it has been repeatedly observed construct- 

 ing- its trap of various dimensions, from one to three 

 inches in diameter, according - to circumstances. When 

 it intends to make one of considerable diameter, it 

 proceeds as methodically as the most skilful architect 

 or engineer amongst ourselves. It first examines 

 the nature of the soil, whether it be sufficiently dry 

 and fine for its purpose, and if so, it begins by 

 tracing out a circle, where the mouth of its funnel- 

 trap is intended to be. Having thus marked the 

 limits of its pit, it proceeds to scoop out the interior. 

 Getting within the circle, and using one of its legs 

 as a shovel, it places therewith a load of sand on 

 the flat part of its head, and it throws the whole 

 with a jerk some inches beyond the circle. It is 

 worthy of remark that it only uses one leg in this 



