EECOGNITION BY MEANS OF THE ANTENNiE. 241 



would be very interesting to repeat similar observations, 

 for if it turn out to be the case that separations of 

 comparatively few days lead, in some species, to a 

 want of recognition, it would be a strong argument 

 against the hypothesis that this recognition is due to 

 smell. 



It certainly seems as if the recognition was effected 

 to a great extent by the antennae. Not only do the 

 ants cross and recross them, almost, so to say, as two 

 deaf mutes conversing by their fingers ; but, as M. Forel 

 has shown, if ants of different species are brought 

 together after the removal of their antennae they show 

 no signs of hostility. That this latter statement is 

 correct I am quite content to take on M. ForeFs 

 authority; but it is not so conclusive as might seem 

 at first sight, because in ants, as in men, " a fellow- 

 feeling makes us wondrous kind," and ants when 

 isolated, and especially when suffering, are much less 

 pugnacious than they arc under normal conditions. 



