THE DAINTINESS OF ANTS 



During sleep the ant's body is quite still. Occasion- 

 ally may be noted a regular lifting-up and setting-down 

 of the forefeet, one leg after another, with almost 

 rhythmic motion. The antennae also have a gentle, 

 quivering, apparently involuntary movement, almost 

 like breathing. The soundness of slumber was fre- 

 quently proved by applying to the sleeper the feather 

 end of a quill. The feather tip is lightly drawn along 

 the back, stroking "with the fur." There is no motion. 

 Again and again this action is repeated, the stroke being 

 made gradually heavier. Still there is no change. The 

 strokes are directed upon the head, with the same re- 

 sult. Then the feather is applied to the neck with a 

 waving movement intend- 

 ed to tickle it. The ant re- 

 mains motionless. Finally 

 the sleeper is aroused by a 

 sharp touch of the quill. 

 She stretches out her head; 

 then her legs, which she 

 also shakes; steps nearer to 

 the light, yawns, and begins 

 to comb her antennae and 

 brush her head and mouth. 

 Then she clambers over her 

 sleeping comrades, dives 

 into an open gangway, and 



soon has said "Good-morning" to another tour of duty. 

 Be it well noted, however, that she has gone to work, 

 as she and all her fellows always do, not only rested, 

 but with her person perfectly clean! And this role, in 

 its general features, and certainly in its result, may be 

 alleged truly of the toilet habits of all insects. 



6 67 



COMBING THE ANTENN.-E 



