HYMENOPTEEA. ACULEATA. 191 



of their interests and achievements. Not only are they 

 the most skilful architects amongst insects, but as states- 

 men, as soldiers, as landed proprietors, as slave-owners, 

 herdsmen nay, if some writers may be believed, as 

 agriculturists*^, they stand at the head of insect- 

 thinkers and doers. Yet, above all, do they claim our 

 sympathy and respect in one point as yet unnamed, that 

 is, in their marvellous domestic conduct ; their unceas- 

 ing industry and tenderness in behalf of their young, 

 tenderness, not maternal, for it is shown by those who are 

 not and cannot be mothers ; while their private character 

 is still further displayed by the friendship, good under- 

 standing, and care for the safety one of another, which 

 subsists amongst the individuals of the community. 

 An amusing case of somewhat officious and peremptory 

 exercise of the privileges of friendship was observed by 

 Hagen : " The legs of a glass case, which contained the 

 nest of social ants, were plunged into pans of water, to 

 prevent the escape of the ants ; this proved a source of 

 great enjoyment to these little beings, for they are a thirsty 

 race, and lap like dogs. One day when he observed 

 many of them tippling away merrily, he was so cruel as 

 to disturb them, which sent most of the ants in a fright 

 to the nest ; but some, more thirsty than the rest, con- 

 tinued their potations. Upon this, one of those that had 



* It is said that a species of Ant in Texas actually plants around its 

 dwelling a kind of grass, which it "nurses and cultivates with constant 

 care, cutting away all other grasses and weeds that may spring up." 

 Another species is said to plant "shade trees" as a protection against the 

 summer sun. (See " Zool.," 7576.) 



It is possible to believe almost anything of the Ants, but even "seeing"' 

 ought not always to be " believing.'' 



