356 INSECTS THAT LIVE 
out in the solid wood vast chambers, a 
multitude of lodges and stories, corridors 
and colonnades, to which the air has free 
access. 
On removing to another country, I 
observe a certain species of ant, availing 
itself of the down of a cotton-plant to 
shelter, more warmly and commodiously, 
the little ones confided to its care: No 
insect, indeed, presents such a variety in | 
their dwellings ; a particular talent seems. 
to be displayed in the labours of each, 
indicating to them the nature and use of 
the several substances within reach. 
Let us pass from their architecture to 
the cares they bestow upon the rising 
generation. What a contrast is there 
not afforded between the social insects, 
and those that lead a solitary existence ; 
the latter are, for the most part, unac- 
quainted with their family; they provide 
for their necessities, establish their dwel- 
ling, but' very few will see the egg to 
which they give birth. This affixes its 
eggs around a.branch; that trusts them 
bbe 
