110 Life and Inmortalty. 
the anal nipples of the latter, drawing therefrom, as it 
seemed, a drop of the coveted fluid with each antennal stroke. 
No aphis was known to be visited in this business twice in 
succession, but the ants would go from one to another, and 
only return to the first when sufficient time had elapsed for 
the replenishing of its store. So intent were they upon their 
task, that several minutes must have passed before they took 
in the danger to which they were exposed. 
You should then have seen their anxiety, and the presence 
of mind they exhibited. Conscious as of attack, and knowing 
the peril that beset them, they did not flee to their under- 
ground galleries, or to the adjoining grasses, for shelter, and 
thus leave their flocks to the mercy of the invader, but they 
manifested the deepest concern for the little creatures, so 
unable to defend themselves, that had so willingly catered 
to their temporal wants. Not an ant was seen to desert its 
post, but all remained on duty till the last of their protegés 
was carried to safe and comfortable apartments in the ground 
beneath. 
What clearer evidence is wanted to show the love these 
neuters bear the tender objects of their care? It must be 
plain that man bestows not half the attention upon his flocks 
than do these ants on theirs. It is true they do not bring 
them food, but that they build their homes where food, the 
roots of herbs and grasses, abound, there is no doubt. It 
may be, too, that they are carried to their pasture-grounds, 
when that necessity occurs, but this cannot with truth be 
said. When some would stray, they were returned within 
the fold, which shows the watch these ants do exercise. 
Concluding then, this much may be averred: food, whole- 
some, sweet, nutritious food, the aphides supply to ants, the 
neuters and the young, but specially the young. And that 
they lead most happy, prosperous lives, the ants their mas- 
ters, must surely be, or looks deceive. 
