IMPERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 19- 



tended to a considerable length, that the object of this 

 successive change of leaders is to convey constant in- 

 telligence to those in the rear, of what is going forward 

 in the van. Whether any thing like this takes place 

 for the regulation of their motions in the innumerable 

 locust-armies, which are sometimes co-extensive with 

 vast kingdoms ; or whether their instinct simply directs 

 them to follow the first that moves or flies, and to keep 

 their measured distance, so that, as the prophet speaks, 

 " one does not thrust another, and they walk every one 

 in his path^," must be left to future naturalists to ascer- 

 tain. And I think that you Avill join with me in the wish 

 that travellers, who have a taste for Natural History, 

 and some knowledge of insects, would devote a share of 

 attention to the proceedings of these celebrated animals, 

 so that we might have facts instead of fables. 



The last order of imperfect associations approaches 

 nearer to perfect societies, and is that of those insects 

 which the social principle urges to unite in some common 

 work for the benefit of the community. 



Amongst the Coleoptera, Ateuchus pilnlariuSi a beetle 

 before mentioned, acts under the influence of this prin- 

 ciple. " I have attentively admired their industry and 

 mutual assisting of each other," says Catesby, "in roll- 

 ing those globular bails from the place whei'e they made 

 them, to that of their interment, which is usually the di- 

 stance of some yards, more or less. This they perform 

 breech foremost, by raising their hind parts, forcing 

 along the ball with their hind feet. 1 wo or three of 

 them are sometimes engaged in trundling one ball, 

 which, from meeting with impediments from the uneven- 



" Joel ii. 8. 

 C2 



