38 OUR INSECT FRIENDS AND FOES 



few hours in quiet and careful observation. 

 Supposing we visit the nest very early on a 

 summer's morning, just after sunrise in fact, when 

 the air is still cool and fresh, and the foliage 

 throws back rainbow scintillations from the spark- 

 ling dewdrops, we shall find the exterior of the 

 nest deserted in appearance, and save for a few 

 small cracks through which an Ant might squeeze 

 with difficulty, no openings are visible on its 

 dome-shaped surface. But we have not long to 

 wait for signs of the awaking of the inhabitants, a 

 few early risers soon emerge, stretch their limbs, 

 and greet each other, and run over the nest. 

 Then, as the temperature rises, and the sun 

 begins to shine upon the nest, the little workers 

 appear in ever-increasing numbers, and many 

 large openings on the surface of the nest are 

 formed, communicating within with the principal 

 galleries and chambers. It is not long before a 

 foraging party starts off in the direction of a 

 small bush which is growing near the nest, and 

 whose branches we notice are crowded with 

 Aphides, the so-called Plant-lice or Green-fly. 

 The Ants quickly ascend the branches of the 

 plant, and seek out the Aphides, which they at 

 once proceed to tickle, or gently rub, with the aid 

 of their antennae. This curious action on the 

 part of the Ants seems to please or stimulate the 

 Aphides, causing them to excrete a little drop of 

 sugary fluid at the end of the pair of small 

 cylindrical tubes which are situated at the 

 extremity of their bodies. This sugary fluid the 

 Ants greedily suck up until they are gorged with 

 the sweet food, when they hurry back to the 



