Page:An Account of English Ants (Gould, 1747, IA accountofenglish00goul).pdf/34

12 The Hill and Jet Ants delight motly in old decayed Roots of Trees; the Subtance of which being oft and tender, is the better adapted to their double Saw, by means whereof they work their Apartments, and compleat their Cities.

We are not o to limit the Reidence of Ants as to expect no Variation; for we may often meet with Colonies of Yellow or mall Black Ants under Stones, or in old Walls; and the like Situation will ometimes pleae the Hill and Jet Ants.

It may however be worth oberving, that the everal Species never intermix o as to aociate or breed together. They will indeed live very near and good Neighbours to one another. But if any venture into a different Colony, they mut retire with the utmot Expedition, or oon fall Victims of the Foe. They are immediately urrounded by a Party, who pinch them to Death, and afterwards devour or carry them out of the Settlement.

The Largenes of their Cities depends in a great Meaure on the Number of Inhabitants, and partly alo on the Change of Seaons and Variablenes of the Weather. In Winter they are obliged as much