the supply of slaves is
necessary to their existence, every now and then they have to go and
help themselves in the way we have just seen them do; and though the
idea of slavery is abhorrent to every mind, we must allow that they
are brave soldiers, and under excellent discipline.

Now, can you tell me who the soldiers are? Go back to your history
stories and think. Some old Roman race, perhaps, or the early
inhabitants of Britain, when people knew no better? Or some tribe of
savages in America, or the South Sea islands at the present time? Nay,
you must guess again, or shall I tell you? Yes, you give it up. Well,
then, it is a people "not strong;" small and insignificant, yet wise,
for this is what the Bible says, "Go to the ANT, consider her ways and
be wise."--Prov. vi:10.

This race of warriors is none other than the slave-keeping ant,
(_Polyergus rufescens_). I do not think you would meet with it in our
woods, but in Switzerland and other countries it is common. Huber, who
wrote so much about bees and ants, first witnessed an attack near
Geneva. I should tell you that the young which they carry off are the
larva or young grubs, which, transferred to the nests of the
conquerors, soon become ants, and live the rest of their lives in
serving them, and waiting on them, as slaves or servants would their
masters.

How extraordinary! Do they pine for their own kind? Are they happy in
their bondage? We do not know, but as far as we can judge they render
a willing and cheerful service, forgetting themselves in what they do
for others. Then, of course, they are happy; we need not repeat the
question; we are only lost in wonder at this strange and interesting
page in Nature's book.

M. K. M.

GRACE DARLING, THE HEROINE.

I presume most of you have heard of Grace Darling, the brave girl who
lived with her father and mother at Longstone light-house. On the 6th
of September, 1838, there was a terrible storm, and W. Darling,
knowing well that there would be many wrecks, and much sorrow on the
sea that dark, tempestuous night, waited for daybreak; and when at
last it came, he went to look out. About a mile away he saw a ship in
great distress, but the storm was so awful he had hardly courage to
venture through it for their relief. His daughter Grace, who was
watching the wreck through a glass, could no longer bear to see the
poor fellows clinging to the piece of wreck which remained on the