10 



it. They succeeded very soon in getting it off the hole, and the two 

 first mentioned with great ease pushed and pulled it (for one was 

 pushing and the other pulling) to a distance of about three inches 

 away; and, as if to prevent its again annoying them, placed a 

 smaller one before it to keep it stationary. Let Mr. Swainson say 

 what he will about its being " absolutely derogatory to the superior 

 nature of man"* to admit any amount of reason in animals, but 

 what could man have done more suitable to the circumstances 

 than these little creatures? Truly we may say to many, "Go to the 

 ant, consider her ways and be wise," 



* Habits and Instincts of Animals, p. 2. 



