2 IMPERFECT SOCIETIES OF IXSECT?. 



sures already poured into the general fund by these 

 your illustrious predecessors. 



I feel not a little flattered when you inform me that 

 the details contained in my late letters relative to this 

 subject, have stimulated you to this noble resolution. — 

 Assure vourself, I shall think no labour lost that has 

 been the means of winninsf over to the science I love, 

 the exertions of a mind like yours. 



But if the facts already related, however extraordi- 

 nary, have had power to produce such an effect upon 

 vou, what will be the momentum, when I lay before 

 vou more at laro:e. as I next purpose, the most striking 

 particulars of the proceedings of insects in society, and 

 show the almost incredibly wonderful results of the 

 combined instincts and labours of these minute beings? 

 In comparison with these, all that is the fruit of soli- 

 taiy efforts, though some of them sufficiently marvel- 

 lous, appear trifling and insignificant : as the works of 

 man himself, when they are the produce of the industry 

 and genius of only one, or a few individuals, though 

 they might be regarded with admiration by a being who 

 had seen nothing similar before, vet when contrasted 

 w ith those to which the union of these qualities in large 

 bodies has given birth, sink into nothing, and seem 

 unworthy of attention. Who would think a hut ex- 

 traordinary- by the side of a stately palace, or a small 

 villajie when in the vicinity of a populous and magni- 

 ficent city ? 



Insects in society may be viewed under several lights, 

 and their associations are for various purposes and of 

 different durations. 



There are societies the object of which is mutual de- 



