LETTERS ON ENTOMOLOGY. - 97 
peace is restored. It is very astonishing that, 
though they are all of the same make, colour, 
and scent, every one seemed to know those 
of his own party, and if one was attacked, by 
mistake it was immediately discovered by the 
assailant, and caresses succeeded to blows. The 
presence of M. Huber, who was a witness of one 
of these battles, did not in the least disturb them. 
Though all was fury on the field of battle, on the 
other side were ants peaceably going on their usual 
avocations, and the whole formicary seemed tran- 
quil and orderly, except where they were march- 
ing to recruit the army, or bring home prisoners. 
I know not whether you will feel much disposed 
to believe what I am now going to relate to you, 
but it rests on the respectable authority of M. 
Huber, who discovered it. What do you think 
of ants going out on expeditions to procure slaves 
for their domestic purposes ? and that these ants 
are red, while the slaves are black ! M. Huber 
appeals to all who doubt the fact to observe it 
for themselves ; but as we cannot do so in this 
country we must trust to his testimony, which, 
let us remark, was given in a country where it 
might be observed. There are two species of 
ants which engage in these expeditions, for- 
mica rufescens and formica sanguinea ; but they 
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