There were several of these nests in the pines, each
consisting of a pile of sand about two feet high and perhaps a yard
across at the base, and the structure we examined was filled with
chambers and galleries which we found were also extended a foot or so
under ground. The destruction of the ant hill was regretted by some of
the more scrupulous students, but the exhibit gave us more real
knowledge of the industries, the habits of life, the architecture, the
skill and the intelligence of the Formicidae, than we gained in any
other way. We were immensely interested in these ant studies, and bought
all the books about them we could find. Afterward I made a little book
myself, giving the results of our investigations set forth in papers
read at meetings of the Club, notes of experiments, and of Mr. Hosmer's
lectures or rather talks on the wonderful works of the Formicidae. The
publication of this book marked my first appearance in the literary
world.
Charles Hosmer was a born naturalist.
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