334 
SAVAGE SUDAN 
than thirty years ago (in 1888), and as an example of 
its learned author’s methods in field-research, I commend 
to some who nowadays masquerade as “zoologists,” 
Professor Drummond’s prescription of “the only way — 
with patience and reverence—to study Nature.” 1 
Incidentally, the life-history of the white ant suggests 
another instance of the frequent failures in animal- 
instinct. Here we have a lowly insect, one of the most 
feeble and defenceless of creatures, yet instinctively enabled 
to outwit and set at defiance a whole host of enemies 
presumptively of far higher intelligence than itself. To 
them—from the human being downwards to bird and 
reptile—the termite represents an important item in their 
daily diet; yet by its infinite industry in “enamelling,” 
in constructing tunnels and encrustations—though done 
in full view—the termite succeeds in evading their inten¬ 
tions and their appetites. Reasonably one might expect 
that, during ages, the termite - devouring animals, or 
some of them, would have detected the secret—have 
realised how defenceless the poor termite really was, 
how easily his flanks might be turned, his fortress 
captured. But no; although the termite prosecutes his 
labours under their very eyes, neither beast, bird, nor 
reptile—with two exceptions—have discerned his secret, 
or availed the wealth of food-supply that lies open for 
their exploitation. 
The two exceptions are the aard-vark (or ant-bear) 
and the pangolin [mams), each specialised for breaking 
into their fortresses and devouring the termites. 
1 Tropical Africa , p. no. Please read also p. 162—the upper half— 
and the story of “ Chirombo” at p. 169. 
While passing these proofs through the Press, I saw—alas ! this gem 
of scientific writing priced in a second-hand book catalogue at Three-and- 
sixpence! Rather a sad commentary on public interest in Nature’s ways?— 
especially when one reads simultaneously of popular novels, or autobio¬ 
graphies of the merest transient interest, commanding thousands of 
pounds. 
