336 
NATURAL HISTORY 
marked for their spirit of subordination, that are offeree? as 
a pattern of parsimony to the profuse, and of unremitting 
diligence to the sluggard. 
By the experiments, however, which have been more re- 
cently made, and the observations which have been taken, 
much of their boasted frugality and precaution seems denied 
them : the treasures they lay up, are no longer supposed in- 
tended for future provision ; and the choice they make in their 
stores, seems no way dictated by wisdom. It is, indeed, some- 
what surprising, that almost every writer of anlicpiity should 
describe this insect, as labouring in the summer, and feasting 
upon the produce during the winter. Perhaps, in some of the 
warmer climates, where the winter is mild, and of short con- 
tinuance, this may take place; but in France and England 
these animals can have no manner of occasion for a supply 
of winter provision, as they are actually in a state of torpidity 
during that season. 
The common ants of Europe are of two or three different 
kinds; some red , some black , some with stings, and others 
without. Such as have stings, inflict their wounds in that 
manner ; such as are unprovided with these weapons of de- 
fence, have a power of spurting, from their hinder parts, an 
acid pungent liquor, which, if it lights upon the skin, in- 
flames and burns it like nettles. 
The body of an ant is divided into the head, breast, 
and belly. In the head the eyes are placed, which are 
entirely black, and under the eyes there are two small horns, 
or feelers, composed of twelve joints, all covered with a line 
silky hair. The mouth is furnished with two crooked jaws, 
which project outwards, in each of which are seen incisors, 
that look like teeth. The breast is covered with a line 
silky hair, from which project six legs, that are pretty 
strong and hairy, the extremities of each armed with two 
small claws, which the animal uses in climbing. The belly 
is more reddish than the rest of the body, which is of a 
brown chesnut colour, shining as a glass, and covered with 
extremely fine hair. 
From such a formation, this animal seems bolder, and 
more active for its size, than any other of the insect tribe, 
and fears not to' attack a creature often above ten times its 
own magnitude. 
As soon as the winter is past, oil the first fine day in April? 
the ant hill, that before seemed a desert, now swarms with 
new life, and myriads of these insects are seen just awaked 
from their annual lethargy, and preparing for the pleasures 
and fatigues of the season. For the first day they never offe*' 
