The record-union., 1897-11-13
AN ANT HERO.
Story of Marvellous Courage and
Devotion of One of the Insects.


The sun was just setting when I re-
turned, slightly fatigued, from several
miles ride on my wheel, writes a cor
respondent. AS is my custom on re-
turning home. I took the garden hose
and turned water into a small trench
which had been dug around a maple
tree for the purpose of holding water
sufficient time to permit the dirt adj
Jacent to the roots to become thorough
ly soaked. Sitting down near by to
rest, my attention was soon attracted
to group of small ants rushing
kither and thither in an endeavor to
escape. The bottom of the circular
ditch being covered about twenty of the
ants sought safety on a large clod of
earth. AT first they We're scattered
about over the highest part Of the lit
tie mound, and to all appearances were
Indifferent as to their surroundings.
After little one of the number pro-
ceeded leisurely around the little is
land, and after finishing the circuit,
hurried back to his companions. 1t ap-
peared that they then, for the first
time realized that they were sur
rounded by water. The survey was re-
peated several times in quick success
sion. The group of ants gathered more
closely together, and seemed to be in
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 senti-
nel They rushed about over each
other in terrible state of agitation,
for the water was rapidly approach
ing. There was now hardly room for
them to stand on; just a little while,
and that would be under water. They
ceased struggling, settled down into
motionleSS inactivity, and seemed en-
tirely resigned to their fate. l picked
up a little stick and laid it across the
water to a point where the ants We're.
They seemd dazed, and did not in
stantly take advantage of the means of
escape afforded them. One then
crawled hurriedly upon the stick, went
it's full length out, and over the blades
of grass on the dry land. Without
seconds hesitation, he turned and re-
traced his teps 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. The others
SPeIIleO passive, cIliItIy SuDSCA NltAAl ~
the will Of these two. Each, with
companion, fastened out to place or
safety. The small one was much more
active, he rescuing about three to the
larger's two. Time was precious, as
the water was rapidly rising; 1t 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 accompanying the rescued,
one each time, to 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 as much concerned as before. He
did not hasten on as when conscious OF
rescuing others. The water was run
ming around the stick. The last avenue
| of escape seemed closed to him forever.
He went to the highest point, and set
tied down perfectly still. His previous
conduct convinced me that he now Iuliy
| realized that the case was hopeless as
far as he was concerned. Musl the
bravest of them all thus die When ne
could easily have made his escape long
ago? He willingly risked his own lie
that he might save others. Couio
more striking example OF herolsm De
found in human annals? Could more
striking example of true brotherly love
and unselfish devotion be shown! Coulu
a more earnest solicitude for the life OF
others be instanced? think not. WIN
in his own power this little insect mao
no possible means of escape. de ala not
fear death: neither did he die, put ne
was last to escape. I lifted the SUCK
from the water and laid 1t out on the
ground. He crawled hurriedly away TO
his companions, whom he had so re-
Gently torn from the grasp Oh oeatn.
| Whatever / may have done for them
can but feel that, in his example the
little hero ant did much more for me-
Utica Journal.