HARVESTING ANTS 19 



It is interesting to observe the sudden change that 

 takes place in the general operations when work ceases 

 for the day. I have endeavoured to make clear that, 

 when gathering in the harvest, all the returning ants 

 carry in their jaws a contribution to the general fund 

 and all the ants leaving the nest are empty-handed. 

 But if the ants be observed shortly before sunset the 

 normal progress will appear reversed, for thousands 

 of ants possessing no burden will be noticed hurrying 

 from the field of harvest along the beaten track and 

 entering the nest. The cause of the sudden change 

 is that work has ceased for the day. Innumerable 

 ants have been searching diligently for seeds but 

 have been unrewarded. Evening approaches, and by 

 common consent they cease their labours. Though 

 failing to secure a load, they all converge to the 

 common track and hurry along to the nest. Here 

 and there a more fortunate worker, dragging labori- 

 ously a large seed, is infected with their haste and, 

 though struggling along more violently than ever, 

 is left hopelessly behind. On they come in an ap- 

 parently endless stream ; they pour into the nest, for 

 work has ceased for the day, and they retire to rest 

 for the night. 



The principle of the division of labour is an indication 

 of the degree of organization attained in any com- 

 munity. Order, system, internal and external economy 

 largely depend on different members, each performing 

 its own definite task. The principle is illustrated in 

 the life of the harvester. The large class of worker, 

 or soldier-worker, assumes a different part in the 

 general management of the formicary from that taken 

 by the host of smaller workers. They do not join in 



