4 IMPERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 



associations. forrucd for the purpose of travelling or 

 emigrating together — associations for feeding together 

 — and associations that undertake some common Avork. 

 The lirst of these associations consists chiefly of in- 

 sects in tlieir perfect state. The little beetles called 

 vvhirlu'igs (Gj/rinus, L.), — which may be seen cluster- 

 ing in groups under warm banks in every river and 

 every poo!, and wheeling round and round with great 

 velocity ; at your approach dispersing and diving under 

 water, but as soon as you retire resuming their accus- 

 tomed movements, — seem to bo under the influence of 

 the social principle, and to form their assemblies for 

 no other purpose but to enjoy together, in the sun- 

 beam, tlie mazy dance. Impelled by the same feeling, 

 in the very depth of winter, even when the earth is co- 

 vered with snow, the tribes of TipuUdcn (usually, but 

 improperly, called gnats) assemble in sheltered situa- 

 tions at midday, when the sun shines, and form them- 

 selves into choirs, that alternately rise and fall with 

 rapid evolutions^. To see these little ai-ry beings ap- 

 parently so full of joy and life, and feeling the entire 

 force of the social principle in tliat dreary season, when 

 the wjiole animal creation appears to sutler, asul tlie 

 rest of the insect tribes are torpid, always conveys to 

 my mind the most agreeable sensations. These little 

 creatures may always be seen at all seasons amusing 

 themselves with these choral dances ; which IMr. Words- 

 worth, in a late poem'', has alluded to in the following 

 beautiful lines : 



" Nor wanting here to entcit.ji!i the thought, 

 Creatures that in communities exist, 

 * Sec alio >.'a ■k.•,^ ick in White's Sal. Hid. ii. 25&. " The ExcursLm. 



