70 TWO CHAPTERS OX ANTS. 



of the liead and tlie mandibles of the vari- 

 ous species, we find our slave-maker has a 

 broader head and more powerful mandibles 

 than the enslaved ants, also a stronger coat 

 of mail than the other species. 



The ants were held under the microscope 

 by means of stage forceps, which closed on 

 them with a steel spring. This instrument 

 almost invariably killed the slaves, while 

 the masters stood the ordeal apparently un- 

 hurt. On releasing one and taking him 

 back to the nest, I have often seen him at- 

 tack and whip a stranger as quickly as be- 

 fore he was subjected to the experiment. 



Even while at peace he always walks 

 about with extended mandibles, which gives 

 him a fierce look, while the other species 

 keep theirs closed except when actively en- 

 gaged. 



No doubt all of the wingless ants are un- 

 developed females, and, strictly speaking, 

 the feminine pronoun should be used; but 

 as power and strength and the war spirit 

 are essentially masculine elements, I have 

 preferred to speak of our slave-maker in the 

 gender in which these qualities are sup- 

 posed to reside. 



I submitted the various species of ants 

 mentioned in the articles to Mr. Cressou, 



