220 
STRANGE D W ELLIN GS, 
saloon pistol ; but the vacancies are soon filled up, and no : 
permanent benefit is obtained. But when the Foraging Ants 
make their appearance, the case is altered, for there is nothing 
that withstands their assault. As soon as the pittas are seen 
approaching, the inhabitants throw open every box and drawer ! 
in the house, so as to allow the ants access into every crevice, | 
and then retire from the premises. 
Presently the vanguard of the column approaches, a few I 
scouts precede the general body, and seem to inspect the 
premises, and ascertain whether they are worth a search. The 
long column then pours in, and is soon dispersed over the 
house. The scene that then ensues is described as most sin- 
gular. The ants penetrate into the corners, peer into each 
crevice, and speedily haul out any unfortunate creature that is i 
lurking therein. Great cockroaches are dragged unwillingly I 
away, being pulled in front by four or five ants, and pushed 
from behind by as many more. The rats and mice speedily 
succumb to the onslaught of their myriad foes, the snakes and 
lizards fare no better, and even the formidable weapons of the 
scorpion and centipede are overcome by their pertinacious 
foes. 
In a wonderfully short time, the Foraging Ants have com- 
pleted their work, the scene of turmoil gradually ceases, the 
scattered parties again form into line, and the procession 
moves out of the house, carrying its spoils in triumph. The 
raid is most complete, and when the inhabitants return to the 
house, they find every intruder gone, and to their great comfort 
are enabled to move about without treading on some un- | 
pleasant creature, and to put on their shoes without previously 
knocking them against the floor for the purpose of shaking out 
the scorpions and similar visitors. 
Every one who is accustomed to the country takes particular 
care not to cross one of their columns. The Foraging Ants are 
tetchy creatures, and not having the least notion of fear, are 
terrible enemies even to human beings. If a man should happen 
to cross a column, the ants immediately dash at him, running up 
