Besides the sweets which they scatter around them like sugar-plums, they always keep a good supply within the green jars of their bodies. By this lavish use of confectionery, they gain a few interested friends and some enemies like the lady-birds, that eat them up.
Wherever the aphides abound, whether in hop-ground, bean-field, or rose-garden, there are lady-birds gathered together, and they are welcomed by the cultivator, if not by the aphis. (_Aphis_ is the singular noun, and _aphides_ its plural form.) But enough of aphis enemies, and now for the friends, which, as well as foes, they owe to the sweet milk--the honey-dew--which they give out. So these friends, you see, are fair-weather friends, interested friends; and among them are several varieties of the ant tribe.
The ants do not hurt the aphides, but follow them for what they can get out of them. They are continually seen in company; and the ants sometimes drive off the lady-birds and other foes.
The aphis, when attacked by its mortal foe the lady-bird, submits with a good grace. Never did Turk bend his neck to the bow-string, or rush upon the cimeter with greater courage, than the aphis submits itself to the murderous jaws of its devouring foes. It seems quite at ease, and enjoys life to the last bite or sup, while its companions are being killed, and their carcasses heaped up around it. It evidently thinks it is right to die quietly, like a great-minded little insect.
PRETTY Biddy Top-knot has a hidden nest, Out among the willows stretching toward the west: Every day she runs there on her yellow legs, To count and add another to her store of eggs.
Top-knot soon is missing from the garden walks: No more with the other hens struts about and stalks! No more is her cackle from the willows heard, Where, but late, she noisily all the barn-yard stirred.
Down among the willows, stretching toward the west, Top-knot's snowy turban shows above her nest: Slanting ray of sunshine peeps in very bright; Come and peep in with it, you shall see a sight.
Thirteen little chickens, downiest ever seen, And joyous little Top-knot proud as any queen! For that they are beauties all the hens agree: Can you wonder Top-knot should so happy be?