1 10 Life and Immortality. 



the anal nipples of the latter, drawing therefrom, as it 

 seemed, a drop of the coveted fluid with each antennal stroke. 

 No aphis was known to be visited in this business twice in 

 succession, but the ants would go from one to another, and 

 only return to the first when sufficient time had elapsed for 

 the replenishing of its store. So intent were they upon their 

 task, that several minutes must have passed before they took 

 in the danger to which they were exposed. 



You should then have seen their anxiety, and the presence 

 of mind they exhibited. Conscious as of attack, and knowing 

 the peril that beset them, they did not flee to their under- 

 ground galleries, or to the adjoining grasses, for shelter, and 

 thus leave their flocks to the mercy of the invader, but they 

 manifested the deepest concern for the little creatures, so 

 unable to defend themselves, that had so willingly catered 

 to their temporal wants. Not an ant was seen to desert its 

 post, but all remained on duty till the last of their proteges 

 was carried to safe and comfortable apartments in the ground 

 beneath. 



What clearer evidence is wanted to show the love these 

 neuters bear the tender objects of their care ? It must be 

 plain that man bestows not half the attention upon his flocks 

 than do these ants on theirs. It is true they do not bring 

 them food, but that they build their homes where food, the 

 roots of herbs and grasses, abound, there is no doubt. It 

 may be, too, that they are carried to their pasture-grounds, 

 when that necessity occurs, but this cannot with truth be 

 said. When some would stray, they were returned within 

 the fold, which shows the watch these ants do exercise. 



Concluding then, this much may be averred : food, whole- 

 some, sweet, nutritious food, the aphides supply to ants, the 

 neuters and the young, but specially the young. And that 

 they lead most happy, prosperous lives, the ants their mas- 

 ters, must surely be, or looks deceive. 



