30 PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 



from the amusing scene to which I am eager to introduce 

 you; but the following observations of M. P. Huber 

 on this subject are so just and striking, that I cannot re- 

 frain from copying them. 



" The history of insects that live in solitude consists 

 of their generation, their peculiar habits, the metamor- 

 phoses they undergo ; their manner of life under each 

 successive form ; the stratagems for the attack of their 

 enemies, and the skill "with which they construct their 

 habitation : but that of insects which form numerous 

 societies, is not confined to some remarkable proceed- 

 ings, to some peculiar talent: it offers new relations, 

 which arise from common interest ; from the equality or 

 superiority of rank ; from the part which each member 

 supports in the society ; and all these relations suppose 

 a connexion between the different individuals of which 

 it consists, that can scarcely exist but by the interven- 

 tion of language : for such may be called every mode of 

 expressing their wishes, their wants, and even their 

 ideas, if that name may be given to the impulses of in- 

 stinct. It would be difficult to explain in any other 

 way that concurrence of all wills to one end, and that 

 species of harmony which the whole of their institution 

 exhibits." 



The great end of the societies of insects being the ra- 

 pid multiplication of the species, Providence has em- 

 ployed extraordinary means to secure the fulfilment of 

 this object, by creating a particular order of individuals 

 in each society, which, freed from sexual pursuits, may 

 give themselves wholly to labour, and thus absolve the 

 females from every employment but that of furnishing 

 the society from time to time with a sufficient supply of 



