BY THE AUTHOR. XVil 
insects as to dress them out in all the vir- 
tues, excusing them the vices that so 
much disgrace the human species. 
The History of Ants being yet incom- 
plete, I have been induced to join my own 
observations to those of my learned pre- 
decessors, trusting that the perseverance 
with which I have studied the economy 
of Ants for several years has enabled me 
to fill up a portion of that void which 
still remains in this branch of science. 
Animated with the desire of following 
the steps of the celebrated guide nature 
had placed near me, I undertook, under 
his auspices, works similar to those in 
which he had been distinguished, and 
found in this occupation the double 
pleasure, of interesting him and instruct- 
ing myself. 
I published in early life, some obser- 
vations upon humble-bees, insects that 
live in a republic. ‘These first attempts 
having been received by Naturalists more 
favourably than I had reason to expect, 
! flattered myself that I should be en- 
