Travels in a Tree-top 15 



came together, but beyond this I could see 

 nothing in the way of concerted adlion on the 

 part of the ants at large looking towards suc- 

 coring their captive fellows. Releasing them, 

 these detained ants at once scattered in all di- 

 reftions, and the incident was quickly forgot- 

 ten. Where were these ants going, and what 

 was their purpose ? I wondered. I was as 

 near the tree's top as I dared to go, but the 

 ants went on, apparently to the very tips of 

 the tiniest twigs, and not one that I saw came 

 down laden or passed up with any burden. 

 It is not to be supposed they had no purpose 

 in so doing, but what ? There is scarcely an 

 hour when we are not called upon to witness 

 just such aimless aftivity, — that is, aimless so 

 far as we can determine. 



Nothing molested these huge black ants, 

 although inseft-eating birds came and went 

 continually. One lordly, great-crested fly- 

 catcher eyed them meditatively for some sec- 

 onds, and then my identity suddenly dawned 

 upon him. His harsh voice, afFedled by fear, 

 was more out of tune than ever, and, coupled 

 with his precipitant flight, was very amusing. 

 The bird fell off the tree, but quickly caught 

 himself, and then, as usual, curiosity overcame 



