THE ANT. 279

Solomon does not, however, affirm that the ant, which he pro-
poses to the sluggard as an example, laid up in her maga-
zine stores of grain: but that, with considerable pradence
and foresight, she makes use of the proper season to collect
a sufficient quantity of provisions for her purposes. She
prepares her bread, and gathers her food, namely, such food
as is suited to her, in summer and harvest, that is, when it
is most plentiful: and thus shows her wisdom and prudence
in using the advantages offered to her.”

But for the reason above stated, namely, the difference in
climate, this celebrated text may still be quite true, in its
best understood sense, of the ants in tropical climates ; for
Lieutenant-Colonel Sykes gives an account of the habits of
an East-Indian species, which lays up a store of grass-seed
in January and February, sufficient to last until the middle
of the year: he found them employed, after the thunder-
storms of October, in drying the remains of their store,
which had been wetted by the rain.

It is probable that Solomon refers to no particular species
of ant, for the whole family is noted for unwearied industry
and perseverance, giving us an example of care in observing
times and seasons; of kindness, in the. zeal and alacrity
with which the overtasked are assisted ; of judgment, in the