disproportion of intellect between one animal and another of the same
species; but I consider that the instinct of animals is capable of
expansion, as well as the reason of man. The ants on shore would, if it
were required, be equally assisted by their instinct, I believe; but not
being required, it is not brought into play; and, therefore, as I before
observed, they have not the resources of which my little colony at
present are in possession.

Now I will kill a cockroach for them; there is no difficulty in finding
one, unfortunately for me, for they know everything that I have. There
never was a class of animals so indifferent to their fare, whether it be
paper, or snuff, or soap, or cloth. Like Time, they devour everything.
The scoundrels have nearly demolished two dozen antibilious pills. I
hope they will remember Dr Vance as long as they live.

Well, here's one--a fine one. I throw his crushed carcase on the deck,
and observe the ants have made their nest in the beams over my head,
from which I infer, that the said beams are not quite so sound as they
should be. An ant has passed by the carcase, and is off on a gallop to
give notice. He meets two or three--stops a second--and passes on. Now
the tide flows; it's not above a minute since I threw the cockroach
down, and now it is surrounded by hundreds. What a bustle!--what
running to and fro! They must be giving orders. See, there are fifty
at least, who lay hold of each separate leg of the monster, who in bulk
is equal to eight thousand of them. The body moves along with rapidity,
and they have gained the side of the cabin. Now for the ascent. See
how those who hold the lower legs have quitted them, and pass over to
assist the others at the upper. As there is not room for all to lay
hold of the creature's legs, those who cannot, fix their forceps round
the bodies of the others, _double-banking_ them, as we call it. Away
they go, up the side of the ship--a pull, and all together. But now the
work becomes more perilous, for they have to convey the body to their
nest over my head, which is three feet from the side of the ship. How
can they possibly carry that immense weight, walking with their heads
downwards, and clinging with their feet to the beams? Observe how
carefully they turn the corner--what bustle and confusion in making
their arrangements! Now they start. They have brought the body
head-and-stern with the ship, so that all the legs are