40 INSECT MISCELLANIES. 



produce thirst. Ices produce this effect on many- 

 persons. It is, no doubt, in consequence of their 

 laborious exertions, as well as of the hot nature of 

 their acid fluids producing similar effects, that ants 

 are so fond of water. We have seen one quaff a drop 

 of dew almost as large as its whole body ; and when 

 we present those in our glass formicaries with water, 

 they seem quite insatiable in drinking it ; * a circum- 

 stance which is well illustrated by the following anec- 

 dote from Huber : - — 



' The feet, ' he says, ^ of my artificial formicary- 

 were plunged in vessels constantly filled with water. 

 This, which was originally adopted to prevent their 

 escape, proved to them a fruitful source of enjoyment, 

 by supplying them with a plentiful beverage during 

 the heats of summer. One day, while they were 

 assembled at this fosse of the formicary, occupied in 

 licking up the little drops which filtered between the 

 fibres of the wood, which they preferred to taking 

 it from the basin itself, I amused myself in disturb- 

 ing them, upon which the greater number ascended ; 

 but a few remained, whom my presence had not 

 alarmed, and who continued carousing. One of those, 

 however, who had regained the nest, came back, and 

 approached another apparently quite absorbed in the 

 pleasure of drinking. It pushed the drinker with its 

 mandibles several times successively, raising and 

 lowering its head alternately, and at length succeeded 

 in driving it off. The officious ant then reached 

 another, similarly engaged, with whom it found no 

 less difficulty ; but at length, being persuaded of the 

 necessity of withdrawing, the drinker passed precipi- 

 tately to the bell glass. A third, warned in the same 

 manner and by the same ant, quickly regained the 

 nest ; but a fourth remained alone at the water's 



* J. R. 



