IMPERFECT SOCIETIES O INSECTS. 3 



There are societies the object of which is mutual de- 

 fence ; while that of others is the propagation of the 

 species. Some form marauding parties, and associate 

 for prey and plunder; others meet, as it should seem, 

 under certain circumstances, merely for the sake of com- 

 pany ; again, others are brought together by accidental 

 causes, and disperse when these cease to operate ; and 

 finally, others, which may be said to form proper socie- 

 ties, are associated for the nurture of their young, and, 

 by the union of their labours and instincts, for mutual 

 society, help, and comfort, in erecting or repairing their 

 common habitation, in collecting provisions, and in de- 

 fending their fortress when attacked. 



With respect to the duration of the societies of insects, 

 some last only during their first or larva state ; and are 

 occasionally even restricted to its earliest period; some 

 again only associate in their perfect or imago state ; while 

 with others, the proper societies for instance, the asso- 

 ciation is for life. But if J divide societies of insects into 

 perfect and imperfect, it will, I think, enable me to give 

 you a clearer and better view of the subject. By perfect 

 societies I mean those that are associated in all their 

 states, live in a common habitation, and unite their la- 

 bours to promote a common object ; and by imperfect 

 societies, those that are either associated during part of 

 their existence only, or else do not dwell in a common 

 habitation, nor unite their labours to promote a common 

 object. In the present letter I shall confine myself to 

 giving you some account of imperfect societies. 



Imperfect societies may be considered as of five de- 

 scriptions : associations for the sake of company only 



B 2 



