Nature's Teachings: Human Invention Anticipated by NatureWood, J. G. (John George)
History
Nature's Teachings: Human Invention Anticipated by Nature
Wood, J. G. (John George)
Inventions; Natural history
How the ants carry off the aphides, cherish and guard them for the sake
of their honey-dew, is a story too long to be told, but it is well known
among entomologists. Our English ants are, however, totally eclipsed by
a Mexican species, which not only collects honey, but stores it in the
bodies of its kindred.
[Illustration: PELICAN.]
[Illustration: FISH-TANK.]
After taking precautions that no food can escape, the ants feed with
their sweet store their companion, who is thus doomed to pass the
remainder of life as a mere honey-cell. The abdomen becomes spherical,
smooth, and so transparent that the honey can be seen within it. It is
quite air-tight, and so preserves the fragrance of the honey until it is
wanted.
So plentiful are these honey-ants, that they are an article of commerce,
and are sold by measure for the purpose of making a sort of mead. There
are many of them in the British Museum, with the honey still within
their transparent bodies, and they are well worth seeing.
* * * * *
THE accompanying illustration represents the artificial and natural way
of preserving food in an uninjured state. The right-hand figure is that
of an ordinary glass aquarium, such as was in general use until the
properties of air and water were better understood, and it still need
not be rejected. It is simply a vessel in which water is contained, so
that aquatic or marine animals may be able to live in it for some time.
There are infinite varieties of the “Fish-tank,” if we may so call it,
the chief of which is the “well,” which is so extensively used in
bringing fish to market.
Through the bottom of the boat projects a sort of box pierced with
holes, so that the water has free access and egress. The sides of the
box are so high that there is no fear of the water rising into the boat.
When fish are taken, they are thrown into the well, and there can live
until they are wanted for sale.
Also, as all know who are acquainted with river-banks or seashores,
fishermen have similar wells detached from the boats, and partly or
entirely sunk in the water. In them they keep their stock, and, when a
customer arrives, they simply draw the box ashore, so that the water
runs out, select what fish they choose, and replace the box in the
water.
* * * * *
NOW, the power of conveying fish to some distance without destroying
life has for countless ages been possessed by the Pelican, one of which
birds is shown in the accompanying illustration.
As every one knows, the chief peculiarity of this bird is the large and
very elastic membrane of the lower jaw. When not in use, it contracts by
its own elasticity, and the bill looks quite slender, as well as long.
But, when distended with water and fish, it presents the appearance
shown in the illustration.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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