original track, this may be due to the uneven work of the broom, which
has left certain particles of the scented dust in position. The Ants
who went round the cleared portion may have been guided by the
sweepings removed to either side. Before, therefore, pronouncing
judgment for or against the sense of smell, it were well to renew the
experiment under better conditions and to remove everything containing
a vestige of scent.

A few days later, when I have definitely decided on my plan, Lucie
resumes her watch and soon comes to tell me of a sortie. I was
counting on it, for the Amazons rarely miss an expedition during the
hot and sultry afternoons of June and July, especially when the
weather threatens storm. Hop-o'-my-Thumb's pebbles once more mark out
the road, on which I choose the point best-suited to my schemes.

A garden-hose is fixed to one of the feeders of the pond; the sluice
is opened; and the Ants' path is cut by a continuous torrent, two or
three feet wide and of unlimited length. The sheet of water flows
swiftly and plentifully at first, so as to wash the ground well and
remove anything that may possess a scent. This thorough washing lasts
for nearly a quarter of an hour. Then, when the Ants draw near,
returning from the plunder, I let the water flow more slowly and
reduce its depth, so as not to overtax the strength of the insects.
Now we have an obstacle which the Amazons must surmount, if it is
absolutely necessary for them to follow the first trail.

This time, the hesitation lasts long and the stragglers have time to
come up with the head of the column. Nevertheless, an attempt is made
to cross the torrent by means of a few bits of gravel projecting above
the water; then, failing to find bottom, the more reckless of the Ants