The Press., 1894-07-26
THE ANT HUNTER.

A delicious freshness pervaded the woods. The sparrows fitted in and out among the branches and sang to one an other their sweetest songs On project ing bough finch had comfortably set l tied himself and was whistling with the utmost Qonchalance the sole number contained in the poor rascal's repertory. It was rare delight indeed to wan der through this natural 1oyeliness aft CT leaving scarcely two hours before the stifing atmosphere of railway car. And the pathway through which loi- tered in happiest mood was a narrow one. The highway indeed would have conducted me more quickly to the de- sired haven, but on this most magnifi- cent summer day I very naturally chose the longer walk through one of the most beautiful bits of forest in the neighbor- hood.
 Suddenly the sunshine glinted more brightly through the trees. It must be that was approaching a clearing, and | in truth few more steps brought me to | an open place, which spread itself out | like an island in the heart of the wood Near the edge of the clearing knelt 8 man who was industriously filling a sack. Could it be earth that he was scooping up, and for what purpose? stole nearer. That which the man was gathering was the peculiar nest of the wood ant, cunningly put together from bits of plants and pine needles. All this the man put into a wire sieve, through which the ants and their white larv@ fell into the sack.
 "Good success?'' said I, with friendly greeting.
 The ant hunter looked up and pushed back little his old felt hat Then he said: "It will do, sir. There isn't any body in the neighborhood who cares to be rival in the business. '
 ''Indeed! Has any one any objection to it?''
 "Hm; yesl The work makes one look so!'' said the ant hunter, and his eye ran over his own shabby exterior.
 He wore a dirty and ragged brown coat, was barefooted, and pressed upon his frouzy head was a crumpled hat of doubtful color Between his teeth he held short pipe, the rudely fantastic head of which he might have carved himself. The old stump must have been the dearest thing he called his own, for even when he spoke it did not leave his lips.
 had never before seen an ant hunt CT, although he is characteristic fea- ture of the Alps, so sat down upon the stump of tree to watch him work.
 "You won't see anything very re- markable,'' said he, shaking the sieve. My work is simple enough" He spread out linen cloth, fastened down its four corners with wooden pins and surrounded the whole with pine branches; then he took the sack and | shook it's contents out upon the cloth. Immediately the lively little creatures l seized their babies and sought to hide them among the sheltering twigs. There | upon the ant hunter brushed these twigs with 8 coarse rag, and the ants remained hanging to the twigs, while the larvse lay clearly distinguishable upon the cloth spread out below.
 My crop is gathered for today" said he, thrusting his booty into the sack. "And does this business make you a 1iving?" asked.
 "Oh, it'll do! The dealers pay me pretty well, and the amount I need for my iving''- He did not finish the sen- tence, but sad smile fitted over his face .a
 While his work had been going on his pipe had gone out, and he drew out now closely tied tobacco pouch. It was empty. I could see that the old man was greatly disappointed, and that after his hard work he had counted up on this modest enjoyment. Help, how ever, was at hand, for although no smoker myself I always carry tobacco with me on these mountain excursions. It is an "open sesame" when even the jingle of coin is ineffectual-no Alpine shepherd can resist it. Such a packet took from my pocket now, and opening it offered it to the ant hunter
 Here is some. Try it and see if it suits you. ''
 What had done? The man stood as though transixed, his eyes staring. A shudder ran through his body. 'Sirp' he burst forth but excitement would not let him proceed further.
 ''Take it, beg of you!' said l. Upon this curious change came over his countenance. A suspicious moisture appeared in his eyes. His bos- om rose and felL and involuntarily he stretched out his hand for the little packet.
 ''Sir,' he faltered. "Sir, excuse me, but it is fully 12 years since a human being has offered me kindness. ' | sEYou-avoid neonleP'' said T. nar- plexed.
 cor they me-which amounts to the same thing" said he bitterly. Hooked narrowlyat him. He dropped | his eyes. '.~ ~s