WHITE ANTS. 
499 
probably are as numerous above ground as the latter 
are in their subterraneous passages, instantly seize 
and drag them away to their nests, to feed the young 
brood. 
“ The termites are, therefore, exceeding solicitous 
about the preserving their covered ways in good re- 
pair ; and if you demolish one of them for a few 
inches in length, it is wonderful how soon they re- 
build it. At first, in their hurry, they get into the 
open part an inch or two, but stop so suddenly that 
it is very apparent they are surprised ; for though 
some run straight on, and get under the arch as 
speedily as possible in the former part, most of 
them run as fast back, and very few will venture 
through that part of the track which is left un- 
covered. In a few minutes you will perceive them 
rebuilding the arch, and by the next morning they 
will have restored their gallery for three or four 
yards in length, if so much has been ruined ; and 
upon opening it again will be found as numerous as * 
ever under it, passing both ways. If you continue 
to destroy it several times, they will at length seem 
to give up the point, and build another in a differ- 
ent direction ; but, if the old one lead to some fa- 
vourite plunder, in a few days will rebuild it again ; 
and, unless you destroy their nest, never totally 
abandon their gallery.” 
After having described the Termes bellicosus in the 
foregoing accurate manner, Mr. Smeathman pro- 
ceeds to notice another species equally ingenious, 
but inhabiting different situations. 
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