A third grain is not placed against the tree, but against the
former grains; a fourth, a fifth, and a sixth grain follow, and
the plan of a foundation begins to suggest itself. The grains are
formed into a semicircular wall, and the work is pushed forward
by many thousands of the little masons. As the wall grows higher
and higher, it takes the shape of a long perpendicular tunnel
running up the side of the tree--a marvel of architectural skill.
The way in which the building is done is extremely curious. Each
grain or stone, as it is brought to the top, is covered with
mortar. Without this precaution the wall would crumble into dust
before reaching half an inch in height; but the insect pours over
the earthen grains a sticky secretion, turning each grain round
and round until it has been overspread with the gluelike liquid.
Then the stone is placed with great care in the proper position,
and is worked about vigorously for a moment or two until it is
well set.
To every hundred workers in a white-ant colony, which numbers
many thousands of individuals, there are, perhaps, two soldiers.
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