LETTERS ON ENTOMOLOGY. 101 
performed in their native nest, except, indeed, 
feeding their masters and carrying them about. 
Alas ! that laziness should infect even the most 
industrious of animals ! for they do not join in 
the labour, or even direct their slaves, and when 
not on the field of battle are quite helpless, being 
even unwilling to feed themselves. Indeed they 
are so dependent on the slaves, that, by a natural 
consequence, the latter seem to exercise a kind 
of authority over them. They will not suffer 
them, for instance, to go from the nest alone, and 
if they return to the nest without booty, show 
their displeasure by attacking them, and when 
they attempt to enter, dragging them out; so 
you see that they pay dearly for their laziness, 
as all must who depend on others for what they 
ought to do themselves. Adieu. 
