         split_t = splitFrom.split_t
         split_dt = splitFrom.split_dt
         split_rate = splitFrom.split_rate
+        new_steps = 0
         num_steps = splitFrom.num_steps
         num_splits = splitFrom.num_splits
         s = splitFrom.s

    var split_t: Float    // time at which the next split will be forced
    var split_dt: Float   // time between forced splits
    var split_rate: Float // rate at which random splits happen
    var num_steps: Float  // how many steps have happened
    var num_splits: Float // how many splits have happened
    var s: AntSettings! = nil
    
    init(x: Int, y: Int, dx: Int, dy: Int, time: Float, s: AntSettings) {

        split_t = time
        split_dt = s.split_dt_start
        split_rate = s.split_rate_start
        new_steps = 0
        num_steps = 0
        num_splits = 0
    }
