Ants. 39 



its slaves, if such they are, by marauding expeditions 

 like those of Polyergus ; in the first place, because 

 the Anergates are too few, and secondly, because 

 they are too weak. The whole question is rendered 

 more difficult because no larvae or pupae of Tetra- 

 morium have ever been found in the mixed nests. 

 The community consisted of males and females of 

 Anergates, accompanied and tended by workers of 

 Tetramorium ccespitum. The Anergates are abso- 

 lutely dependent upon their slaves, and cannot 

 even feed themselves. The whole problem is, 

 therefore, most puzzling and interesting. 



11. These four genera offer us every gradation 

 from lawless violence to contemptible parasitism. 

 Formica sanguinea, which may be assumed to have 

 comparatively recently taken to slave-making, has 

 not as yet been materially affected. 



The Amazon Ant (Polyergus}, on the contrary, 

 already illustrates the lowering tendency of slavery. 

 They have lost their knowledge of art, their natural 

 affection for their young, and even their instinct 

 of feeding ! They are, however, bold and powerful 

 marauders. 



In Strongylognathus, the enervating influence o 

 slavery has gone further, and told even on the bodily 

 strength. They are no longer able to capture their 

 slaves in fair and open warfare. Still they retain a 

 semblance of authority, and, when roused, will fight 

 bravely, though in vain. 



12. In Anergates, finally, we come to the last scene 



