Note 1 — CHAP. V. OF THE WARS OF ANTS, AND SOME OTHER PARTICULARS.

There are some animals, that from living almost entirely on ants, have obtained the name of ant-eaters, (Myrmecophaga). On paying its accustomed visit to the ant-hill, this animal makes a considerable disturbance, and then extends its long and tapering tongue on the ground. The ants, coming out to see what is the matter, unaware of the nature of the trap laid for them, pass on the tongue in great numbers, where they are retained by a thick viscous fluid. The Woodpecker occasionally adopts a similar plan, and thus procures an abundant repast; but the most ingenious contrivance to entrap ants, is that practised by a little insect termed the Ant-Lion, (Myrmeleon Formicarius). This insect in its larva state, can walk no other way than backward; it is therefore evident, that its prey must come immediately within its reach, since it is unprovided with the means of advancing to secure it. To effect this, it forms a conical cavity of about two inches in depth in a loose, dry, sandy soil. It commences its operations by describing a circle in the sand, it then takes its station within, and moving in a retrograde direction, shovels up the sand with its fore-feet on the back part of its head, which is flat and square, from which, by a sudden jerk, it is projected to the distance of several inches. As its work proceeds it describes smaller circles within the first, until they are reduced to almost a mere point. On its meeting any impediment to its labours, such as small stones, &c. it places them one by one on its head, and, if possible, jerks them beyond the mouth of the pit; failing of this, it endeavours to deposit its load at the entrance of the cavern, by mounting backward with cautious steps. Its efforts are often unsuccessful, for the instability of the ground over which it is obliged to pass renders this a task of extreme difficulty. It does not, however, forego its object, nor is it at all discouraged by two or three failures, but when every probability of success is withdrawn, it abandons its employment, and seeks another situation, where it, with wonderful patience, enters upon another excavation. Its residence finished, it occupies the lower part, concealing its body by a coating of sand. Here it quietly remains until some stray ant, passing this way, and venturing to cross the sides of the pit, is carried by the sliding sand within the grasp of its oppressor. It may be that the ant, on perceiving its danger, endeavours to scramble up the embankment; but our wary friend, unwilling to be deprived of his long-expected meal, shakes off his usual inactivity, and by a timely shower of sand, seldom fails of bringing down its victim. Like most insects that lie in wait for prey, the Ant-Lion is capable of enduring very long abstinence.—T.