formicary is constructed, the defenders, projecting their terminal
segments as far into space as possible, eject formic acid in the
direction of the enemy. Like shrapnel from machine guns, the liquid
missile sweeps a considerable area. Against the sunlight it appears as a
continuous spray, and should one infinitesimal drop descend into the eye
the stoutest mortal will blink. Attacks are made singly and in
detachments. Heroes actually hurl themselves from the branches, and,
failing to reach the enemy, run along the ground and, scaling his legs,
inflict punishment on the first convenient patch of unprotected skin.
Detachments muster in blobs, fall in a mass to the ground, and charge. If
one of these forlorn hopes happens to be successful, the observant man
will retire with little of his dignity remaining.

It is interesting to note how readily birds acquire tastes for the sweet
fruits which man cultivates. One of the honey-eaters, the diet of which
ranges from nectar to the juice of one of the native cucumbers, as bitter
as colocynth, has become an ardent advocate for the thorough ripening of
bananas. While on the plant the fruit is not appreciated, but after the
bunch has been hung for a week or so and the first fruits are changing
colour the bird is enthusiastic. Formerly bunches were ripened in a
thatched building for the the most part open, and the bird got the very
best of the bunch. Now the process takes place where the bird has to
venture through wire-netting. It has no fear, entering without ceremony,
loudly complaining when inadvertently disturbed, and flying to other
parts of the house to express remonstrance when the supply is exhausted.

Scarcity of surface-water sharpens the powers of observation of some
birds and increases the trustfulness of certain species towards human
beings in a region wherein they are held to have rights on equality with
those of their superiors in the animal world. For years, during the few