IMf ERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 3 



fence : while that of others is the propagation of the 

 species. Some form marauding parties, and associate 

 for prey and plunder; — others meet, as it should seem, 

 under certain circumstances, merely for the sake of 

 company; — again, others are brought together by ac- 

 cidental causes, and disperse when these cease to ope- 

 rate; — and finally, others, which may be said to form 

 proper societies, are associated for the nurture of their 

 young, and, by the union of their labours and instincts, 

 for mutual society, help, and comfort, in erecting or 

 repairing their common habitation, in collecting provi- 

 sions, and in defending their fortress when attacked. 



With respect to the duration of the societies of in- 

 sects, some last only during their first or larva state; 

 and are occasionally even restricted to its earliest pe- 

 riod: — some again only associate in their perfect or 

 imago state; while with others, the proper societies 

 for instance, the association is for life. But if I divide 

 societies of insects into perfect and imperfect, it will, 

 I think, enable me to give you a clearer and better 

 view of the su1)ject. ^y perfect societies I mean those 

 that are associated in all their states, live in a common 

 habitation, and unite their labours to promote a com- 

 mon object; — and by imperfect societies, those that are 

 either associated during part of their existence only, or 

 else do not dwell in a common habitation, nor unite 

 their labours to promote a common object. In the pre- 

 sent letter I shall confine myself to giving you some ac- 

 count of imperfect societies. 



Imperfect societies may be considered as of five de- 

 scriptions : — associations for the sake of company only 

 — associations of males during the season for pairing — 



B 2 



