ANTS 



337 



ANTS (Family FORMiciD^) 



It may sound absurd to say that there is an insect which 

 has disciplined armies, keeps slaves to do its work, and has cows 

 which it milks. But all this in some sort may be said of the Ant, 

 which is certainly one of the most wonderful creatures that we 



Ants 



know. It is a plain-looking little insect, black or red in colour. 

 But it possesses keen black eyes, jaws armed with little teeth, and 

 a formidable sting, and its six legs are each furnished with two 

 little claws, which help it in climbing. 



One may often disturb a colony of ants by turning over a stone, 

 and then see the little creatures running about wildly with white 

 bundles in their fore-legs sometimes as large as themselves. These 

 bundles which they are so anxious to preserve, are commonly 

 known as ants' eggs, but their correct name is pupse. They are 



(M868) Z 



