THE DAINTINESS OF ANTS 



insect stretches out her hmbs, and, as her friend takes 

 them successively into hand, 3delds them limp and sup- 

 ple to her manipulation. She rolls slowly over upon 

 her side, even quite over upon her back, and with all 

 her limbs relaxed presents a perfect picture of muscular 

 surrender and ease. 



The pleasure which the creatures take in being thus 

 brushed and "sponged" is really enjoyable to the 



ANTS GIVING A FRIENDLY TONGUF. BRUSH TO THEIR FELLOWS 



A, cleaning the abdomen; B, the legs and sides; C, the mouth parts 



stander-by. The author has seen an ant kneel down 

 before a fellow and thrust forward its head, drooping, 

 quite under the face, and lie there motionless, thus ex- 

 pressing as plainly as sign-language could do her wish 

 to be cleansed. The observer understood the gesture, 



63 



