2 IMPERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 



that a man of your abilities, discernment, and observa- 

 tion will contribute, in no small degree, to the treasures 

 already poured into the general fund by these your illus- 

 trious predecessors. 



I feel not a little flattered when you inform me that 

 the details contained in my late letters relative to this 

 subject, have stimulated you to this noble resolution. 

 Assure yourself, I shall think no labour lost, that has 

 been the means of winning over to the science I love, 

 the exertions of a mind like yours. 



But if the facts already related, however extraordi- 

 nary, have had power to produce such an effect upon 

 you, what will be the momentum, when I lay before you 

 more at large, as I next purpose, the most striking par- 

 ticulars of the proceedings of insects in society, and show 

 the almost incredibly wonderful results of the combined 

 instincts and labours of these minute beings ? In com- 

 parison with these, all that is the fruit of solitary efforts, 

 though some of them sufficiently marvellous, appear tri- 

 fling and insignificant: as the works of man himself, 

 when they are the produce of the industry and genius of 

 only one, or a few individuals, though they might be re- 

 garded with admiration by a being who had seen no- 

 thing similar before, yet when contrasted with those to 

 which the union of these qualities in large bodies has 

 given birth, sink into nothing, and seem unworthy of 

 attention. Who would think a hut extraordinary by 

 the side of a stately palace, or a small village when in 

 the vicinity of a populous and magnificent city ? 



Insects in society may be viewed under several lights, 

 and their associations are for various purposes and of 

 different durations. 



