The chains sway until the
terminal links engage, when they are immediately shortened up. Several
of these chains are swung across parallel to each other with astonishing
rapidity; and in addition to the constant strain of the hauling workers
at each end they are used as bridges by innumerable other workers and
fussy superintendents, the traffic on them being almost as voluminous
and bustling as that of a Thames thoroughfare. Gradually the most
obstinate branchlet with its spray of leaves is drawn into juxtaposition
with the main part of the mansion. Then the living spans become more
numerous, presenting the appearance of great stitches. As the edges of
the leaves are brought together they are fastened with white gossamer
while the tireless workers strain themselves, heroically holding the
edges in apposition. The gossamer seems to be obtained in part from the
pupuae, which, borne in the mandibles of workers, are passed to and fro
as weavers' shuttles. As a rule, insects which house themselves in
leaves are vegetarian, but the green ant is demonstratively carnivorous,
using leaves solely for shelter.
An aboriginal--to repeat perhaps a needless observation--regards the
most of things of this earth from a dietetic standpoint.
Pages:
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371