PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 



51 



were plunged into pans of water, to prevent the escape of the 

 ants ; — this proved a source of great enjoyment to these 

 little beings, for they are a very thirsty race, and lap water 

 like dogs. 1 One day, when he observed many of them 

 tippling very merrily, he was so cruel as to disturb them, 

 which sent most of the ants in a fright to the nest ; but some 

 more thirsty than the rest continued their potations. Upon 

 this, one of those that had retreated returns to inform his 

 thoughtless companions of their danger ; one he pushes with 

 his jaws ; another he strikes first upon the belly, and then 

 upon the breast ; and so obliges three of them to leave off 

 their carousing, and march homewards ; but the fourth, more 

 resolute to drink it out, is not to be discomfited, and pays not 

 the least regard to the kind blows with which his compeer, 

 solicitous for his safety, repeatedly belabours him. At 

 length, determined to have his way, he seizes him by one of 

 his hind-legs, and gives him a violent pull : — upon this, 

 leaving his liquor, the loiterer turns round, and opening his 

 threatening jaws with every appearance of anger, goes very 

 coolly to drinking again ; but his monitor without further 

 ceremony, rushing before him, seizes him by his jaws, and at 

 last drags him off in triumph to the formicary. 2 



The language of ants, however, is not confined merely 

 to giving intelligence of the approach or presence of danger ; 

 it is also coextensive with all their other occasions for com- 

 municating their ideas to each other. 



Some, whose extraordinary history I shall soon relate to 

 you, engage in military expeditions, and often previously send 

 out spies to collect information. These, as soon as they 

 return from exploring the vicinity, enter the nest ; upon 

 which, as if they had communicated their intelligence, the 

 army immediately assembles in the suburbs of their city, and 

 begins its march towards that quarter whence the spies had 

 arrived. Upon the march, communications are perpetually 

 making between the van and the rear ; and when arrived at 

 the camp of the enemy, and the battle begins, if necessary, 

 couriers are dispatched to the formicary for reinforcements. 3 



1 Gould, 92. De Geer, ii. 1067. Huber, 5. 132. 



2 Huber, 133, 3 Ibid. 167. 217.237. 



E 2 



