AGRICULTURAL ANTS. 
223 
dry, when they carry it back and pack away all the sound 
seeds, leaving those that had sprouted to waste. 
‘ In a peach orchard not far from my house is a considerable 
elevation, on which is an extensive bed of rock. In the sand- 
beds overlying portions of this rock are fine cities of the Agri- 
cultural Ants, evidently very ancient. My observations on 
their manners and customs have been limited to the last twelve 
years, during which time the inclosure surrounding the orchard 
has prevented the approach of cattle to the ant-farms. The 
cities which are outside the inclosure, as well as those protected 
in it, are at the proper season invariably planted with the ant- 
rice. The crop may accordingly always be seen springing up 
within the circle about the 1 st of November every year. Of 
late years, however, since the number of farms and cattle has 
greatly increased, and the latter are eating off the grass much 
closer than formerly, thus preventing the ripening of the seeds, 
I notice that the Agricultural Ant is placing its cities along the 
turn-rows in the fields, walks in gardens, inside about the gates, 
&c., where they can cultivate their farms without molestation 
from the cattle. 
4 There can be no doubt that the particular species of grain- 
bearing grass mentioned above is intentionally planted. In 
farmer-like manner the ground upon which it stands is carefully 
divested of all other grasses and weeds during the time it is 
growing. When it is ripe, the grain is taken care of, the dry 
stubble cut away and carried off, the paved area being left 
unencumbered until the ensuing autumn, when the same 44 ant- 
rice ” reappears within the same circle, and receives the same 
agricultural attention as was bestowed upon the previous crop 
— and so on, year after year, as I know to be the case, in all 
situations where the Ants’ settlements are protected from 
graminivorous animals.’ 
After receiving this account, Mr. Darwin wrote to Dr. 
Lincecum, asking him whether he thought that the Ants 
planted seed for the next year’s cropland received the follow- 
ing answer : 4 1 have not the slightest doubt of it. And, my 
conclusions have not been arrived at from hasty or careless 
