Battle Between Ants. 155 
careful examination of its injuries. Above and below the 
abdomen, between the second and third segments, two 
deep wounds, which met each other in the interior, were 
plainly to be seen. 
Several cases of the kind were afterwards noticed. These 
were not accidental occurrences, made through efforts to 
carry the young to places of shelter. Possibly, through 
inexperience, accidents might happen once in a long time, 
but to suppose that insects, accustomed to handling their 
young as the neuters assuredly are, would be likely to make 
such blunders, is too unreasonable to be entertained. Ad- 
mitting for argument’s sake that such things might occa- 
sionally occur, would successive repetitions be expected? I 
apprehend not. But on the supposition that a purpose was 
thereby subserved, the object had in view warrants, it would 
seem, the means employed for its accomplishment. 
What the purpose was it will now be my aim to show. 
That many animals, tame as well as wild, are wont to destroy 
disabled and wounded companions, is well established by 
history. In many instances the destruction is justified to 
preserve the herd or pack from the close pursuit of enemies. 
“Tnstinct or reason,’ as Darwin says, “may suggest the 
expelling an injured companion, lest beasts of prey, includ- 
ing man, should be tempted to follow the troop.” 
Audubon, in writing of the wild turkey, so abundant in 
his day, observes substantially that the old males in their 
marches often destroy the young by picking the head, but 
do not venture to disturb the full-grown and vigorous. The 
feeble and immature being an encumbrance, it is obvious that 
the watchfulness and attention which they would require, 
were sympathy and affection the emotions by which the 
males are actuated, would necessarily retard progress, and 
lead to the destruction of the entire flock. Instinct or reason 
here operates for individual and family good. 
Granting that instinct or reason does sometimes act for 
individual and family preservation in the manner described, 
