228 NATURAL HISTORY. 
ANTS. 
25. The Ant has ever been noted for its indus- 
try. These little animals live together in great 
numbers in an Ant-hill. When the winter is past, 
they come forth and examine the condition of their 
habitation. 
26. Having found what repairs are necessary, 
they then go to work with surprising activity, and 
pass the summer in mending their houses and laying 
in a stock of food. 
27. It is a very curious sight to notice the indus- 
trious manner in which they bring various things 
home. If they meet with any thing too heavy for 
one to carry, several will assist, some dragging, 
others pushing, and thus, in time, they convey it 
home. 
28. How trifling soever this little animal may ap- 
pear in our climate, there are few more formidable 
creatures than the Ant of some tropical countries. 
M. Malonet, a French traveller, has described one 
of their cities, and, were not the account confirmed 
by various testimonies, it might seem exaggerated. 
29. He observed at a great distance what seemed 
a lofty structure, and was informed by his guide that 
What has the Ant always been noted for ? In what manner do 
they live together ? What is related of them by Malonet ? 
