9G Mr. Skene on the Emigration of Caterpillars. 



sion, placed them at different distances from the main body* 

 with their heads turned towards it, and I found that they uni- 

 formly remained quite unconscious of its presence, until plac- 

 ed within half an inch of each other. They then approached 

 with evident eagerness, and were readily admitted into the 

 line, by the rear halting until they had taken their places. 



I put one of these stragglers in front, with his tail to the 

 leader's head, but he pertinaciously refused the honour of con- 

 ducting the line ; a considerable sensation seemed to be com- 

 municated through the whole body at this attempt at usur- 

 pation, of which they seemed to become aware, but by what 

 means I could not discern. As soon as this forced usurper 

 was at liberty, he turned round to the leader, who repulsed 

 him with vigour, and bit at him ; upon which he retreated 

 hurriedly along the line, constantly trying to get into his 

 place, but was bit at by every one as he run the gauntlet, till 

 at last a good natured friend permitted him to join the line. 

 I then took out the large one, who was obviously a stupid 

 fellow, when the rear immediately closed up ..the breach. I 

 placed him at the head, and used every inducement to make 

 him take the lead, but in vain. He seemed much confused 

 by the hearty buffets given to him by the active little Bona- 

 parte whom I wished him to supplant, so that he probably 

 would have failed in regaining his place, had I not given him 

 some assistance out of sympathy, for the distress my experi- 

 ment had occasioned him. He seemed delighted to get into 

 his place again ; but was so much confused by the adventure, 

 that he mistook the first sharp turn the line came to, and 

 threw the whole rear into confusion. They broke their line, 

 and much consternation and bustle ensued, until each had re- 

 placed his head close to his neighbour's tail. 



I now took up the leader, obviously less, though more ac- 

 tive and intelligent than the rest, when the alarm instantly 

 spread over the whole line. I expected the second to take the 

 command, but he seemed the most distressed of any, and 

 eagerly sought about from side to side, and in his perplexity he 

 turned quite around, as if consulting with his follower. The 

 hesitation and confusion was now universal. Various parties 

 broke off as the impression reached the rear, and sought anx- 

 iously about, returning again to the line. Having replaced 



