The Feliciana Democrat., 1859-01-15

ANTS AND THEIR INTELLIGENcE.-When an
ant discovers store of food, it at once sets
about communicating the good news to its
tribe. But how? That it can communicate
ideas by means OF its antenna, mysteriously
rubbed against the antcnne Of its companions,
every one knows; but, rubbing noses" is, after
all, limited form of publications, and cannot
easily convey many details How, then, is the
insect Columbus to inform its friends of the
geographical position of this America? lie
knows the route himself, and he can carry an
other ant to the spot. Selling with his man
dibles the companion to whom he has just an
nounced the discovery, and who twines himself
around his body Columbus carries his friend
to the spot. The two then return, and carry
two more. The four return, and carry four
And thus, in q geometrcal progression, the emf
grafton swells, till, at the end Of the twentieth
journey, million ants will be ready to devour
the food
1t is noticeable that they always employ this
method Of transport when they have to do each
other q service. Thus Huber one winter be-
ing desrous Of watching their habits, bcthought
him of attracting them to particular part OF
the apparatus in which he kept them, and which
was made ofgass. For this purpose, he warm
ed that part with candle flame, knowing how
fond they were Of warmth. A few ants were
on the spot at the time, and no sooner did they
feel the pleasant warmth than they became very
animated, brushing their heads and antenne
with their forc-feet, and rapidly running about
the warm spot. Whenever they approached
other ants they rubbed noses with eager
volubility, and Immediately separated. They
seemed desirous Of mounting to the second
story, but no sooner did they get beyond the
region of warmth than they returned again.
At last they seemed to have made up their
minds. Away they started for the second
story. Huber guessed that they had departed
with the intention OF communicating, to their
companions above the pleasant news that
warmth was to be had cheap below. In few
minutes, his guess was verified. Two descend
cd, carrying two others. These were deposited
Oh the warm spot, and the carriers again
assembled to bring down others. The newly
arrived, having warmed, also ascended, and
brought down others. This transport contin.
ucd till, at last, the whole hive was congrega
ted in this place. After the spot had become
cool, the ants remounted to the second story;
but at any time Huber was able to repeat this
interesting experiment and always with the like
result
In the construction of their galleries, wonder.
fnl as that is most persons see nothing but in
stinct. Huber observed, however, that if ever
An engineering mistake was ommitted-when
one wall was raised higher than another-one
OF the ants would destroy the whole, and re-
build it again correctly. It is their conduct
towards the aphidcs, however, that most anus
ingly illustrates their intelligence. The little
green insects, mostly winglcss, found on the
leaves and in the calynX of the rose in great
numbers throughout the summer secrcte on the
surface of their bodies sugary fluid, of which
the ants are as fond as gourmands are of turtle
Not only do the ants find out where the aphides
'most do congregate," and there wheedle them
out of their sugar by the most fattering attcn-
tions, "a stupid animal would kill such food
bearing stranger, and thus kill the goose that
laid the golden eggs but although these atten'
tlons are successful the ants. thoughtful crea-
lures! do not trust alone to the chances of
finding aphides; they rear them, as slave-hol-
der rears negroes! The ants take the eggs of
these aphides into their own nests, rear them
with maternal solictudc, and transport them
in all their migrations Not only do they rear
thcm, but have frequent battles with rival tribes