24 IMPERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 



upon the steps of those that precede it. If the leader, 

 arriving at a particular point, pursues a different direc- 

 tion, all march to that point before they turn. Pro- 

 bably in this they are guided by some scent imparted to 

 the tracks by those that pass over them. Sometimes 

 the order of procession is different ; the leader, who 

 moves singly, is followed by two, these are succeeded by 

 three, then come four, and so on. When the leader, 

 who in nothing differs fro*n the rest, and is probably the 

 caterpillar nearest the entrance to the nest, followed, as 

 I have described, has proceeded to the distance of 

 about two feet, more or less, he makes a halt ; during 

 which those which remain come forth, take their places, 

 the company forms into files, the march is resumed, 

 and all follow as regularly as if they kept time to music. 

 These larvae may be occasionally found at mid-day out 

 of their nests, packed close one to another without ma- 

 king any movement ; so that, although they occupy a 

 space sufficiently ample, it is not easy to discover them. 

 At other times, instead of being simply laid side by side, 

 they are formed into singular masses, in which they are 

 heaped one upon another, and as it were interwoven 

 together. Thus also they are disposed in their nests. 

 Sometimes their families divide into two bands, which 

 never afterwards unite 3 . 



I -have nothing further of importance to communicate 

 to you on imperfect societies : in my next I shall begin 

 the most interesting subject that Entomology offers ; a 

 subject, to say the least, including as great a portion 

 both of instruction and amusement as any branch of Na- 



a Reaumur, ii. 180. 



