The state herald., 1897-12-31

dug around a ma
pie tree for the purpose of holding
water sufficient time to permit the
dirt adjacent to the roots to become
thoroughly soaked, says a writer in
the st. Louis Globe-Democrat. Sitting
down near by, my attention was soon
attracted to a group of small ants
rushing hither and thither in an en-
deavor to escape. The bottom of the
circular ditch being covered, about
twenty OF the ants sought safety on n
large clod Of earth. At first they were
scattered about over the highest part
OF the little mound and to all appear
ance were Indifferent as to their sur
roundings. After little while one of
the number proceeded leisurely around
the little island, and after finishing
the circuit hurried back to his COM
panions. 1t appeared that they then.
for the first time, realized that they
were surrounded by water. The sur
vey was repeated several times in
quick succession. The group of ants
6a'heieu hioie Cluseiy to6tthci anu
seemed to be in a state OF restless
anxiety. As the water rose the circuit
grew less, the vigil more earnest and
the excitement more intense with each
return OF the sentinel. They rushed
about over each other in a terrible
state of agitation. for the water was
rapidly approaching. There was now
hardly room for them to stand on
just little while and that would be
under water. They ceased struggling,
settled down into motionless inactiv-
ity and seemed entirely resigned to
their fate. | picked up a little stick
and laid 1t across the water to the
point where the ants were. They
seemed dazed and did not instantly
take advantage of the means of escape
thus afforded them. One then crawled
hurriedly upon the stick, went its full
length out and over the blades of
grass on to the dry land. Without n
seconds hesitation he turned and re-
traced his steps back TO his compan-
ions. Now the smallest one of the
group returned with him to dry land
They both retraced their steps and the
work OF rescue began. They seemed
passive. entirely subservient to the
will of these two. Each, with a COM
panion. hastened out to place of
safety. The small one was much the
more active. rescuing about three to
the larger ones two. Time was pre-
cious, as the water was rapidly rising:
It would soon be running around the
outer end OF the stick and the island
was melting away. One by one they
were taken out. the guide accompany
ing the rescued one each time to a
place of security. Why they did not
all follow the first one out when he
returned puzzled me. but they did not.
The smaller ant now hurried forth
with the last one. Stlll he was not
content. and rushed back In search of
others. The little hillock was now
melted away and he turned TO seek
safety for himself He did not seem
so much concerned as before. He did
not hasten on. as when conscious OF
rescuing others. The water was run
ming around the stick. The las, ave
nue. OF escape seemed closed to him
forever. He went to the highest point
and settled down perfectly stun. His
previous conduct convinced me that
he now fully realized that the case
was hopeless. as far as he was concern
ed Must the brnyest Of them all thus
die when he could easily have made
his escape long ago? He willingly
rlsked his own lie that he might
serve others. Could more striking
example OF brotherly love and unsclf-
ish devotion be shown? Could a more
earnest solicltude for the life OF others
be instaneed? think not.
within his own power this little In.
sec, had no possible means OF escape.
He did not fear death: nor did he die.
but he was last 10 escape. liftes the
stick from the water and laid II on the
ground. He crawlcd hurrledly away
to his companions, whom he had so re-.
Gently torn from the grasp OF death,
Whatever | may have done for them.
can but feel that. In hin example, the
tI,tle hsrn mt did much ,pnra fa. ,,..