NATURAL HISTORY. 137 



ing, we must at any rate own that it was 

 something which, in this case, did quite as 

 well ; for no thought of man could have hit 

 upon a better plan. But if the ant knew how 

 to think as a man does, do you suppose it would 

 ever have made the mistake? Would not 

 the workmen have all agreed beforehand what 

 they were to do, and how it should be done, 

 so that there might be no need of pulling 

 down any of the work because it would not 

 suit 1 I think that this story, boys, while it 

 shows us something like reason in one par- 

 ticular instance, shows us also that in general 

 the ant has not reason like ours. But I am 

 tired now, and can tell you no more this 

 morning. When you come again I shall be 

 ready to talk with you about some other kinds 

 of ants. But before you go, tell me can any 

 of you inform me what the Bible says about 

 the ant?" 



" Oh yes, Uncle Philip : it says, < Go to the 

 ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways, and be 

 wise.' " 



"Well, another question. Have you any 

 lessons to say when you go into school on 

 Monday ?" 



" Yes, Uncle Philip ; we have." 



M2 



