68 MR J. G GOODCHILD ON 
such a shape, as to be able to take the pollen from one 
flower and to leave some of it in another flower of the same 
kind. It is now well known that the contrivances by which 
this much desired end is attained in different cases are very 
diverse, and are, in all of them, so very full of interest, that. 
an extensive literature has arisen which deals more or less 
exclusively with this one most interesting subject. 
As might be expected to be the case, other animals than 
bees like nectar, and have found out where it is to be got. 
So the plant is constantly liable to receive visits from 
animals who want the nectar, and who, in taking it, do not 
effect the purpose for which the nectar was provided. Truly 
it may be said of the animals coming under this category 
that their name is legion. It is also true that the various 
devices adopted by plants to let in the welcome guests and 
keep out the others is also legion. Kerner’s Flowers and 
their Unbidden Guests is one most charmingly written 
book out of a great number dealing with this inter-relation- 
ship between plants and animals. In that book there will 
be found some references to ants in this same connection. 
But as the book is not a large one, and there is so much to 
treat of in relation to other animals in this connection, the 
part played by ants receives somewhat less attention than 
might otherwise have been the case. 
The leading facts to be borne in mind are that ants have 
an insatiable craving after anything sweet, and spare them- 
selves no trouble to satisfy that craving. It is probable 
that although ants, as we have already seen, are almost 
omnivorous, yet their staple food now and in the past has. 
been nectar of some kind or other. Furthermore, ants can 
be shown to be one of the forms of insect life which dates 
far back in the past, and in course of ages they have 
therefore acquired a deeply rooted instinct, which leads them 
to find their way to the nectar of plants under a great 
variety of circumstances, in which special provision has 
been made to ward off their attacks. A long-standing 
conflict has been waged between plants who want to keep: 
their nectar for large flying insects who can render them 
useful service, and ants who try to rifle that nectar without 
benefiting the plant in return. 
a 
