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LETTER XVI. 



SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 



IMPERFECT SOCIETIES. 



I SEE already, and I see it with pleasure, that you will not content your- 

 self with being a mere collector of insects. To possess a cabinet well 

 stored, and to know by what name each described individual which it 

 contains should be distinguished, will not satisfy the love already grown 

 strong in you for my favourite pursuit ; and you now anticipate with a 

 laudable eagerness, the discoveries which you may make respecting the 

 history and economy of this most interesting department of the works of 

 our Creator. I hail with joy this intention to emulate the bright example, 

 and to tread in the hallowed steps of Swammerdam, Leeuwenhoek, Redi, 

 Malpighi, Vallisnieri, Ray, Lister, Reaumur, De Geer, Lyonnet, Bonnet, 

 the Hubers, &c. ; and T am confident that a man of your abilities, discern- 

 ment, and observation will contribute, in no small degree, to the treasures 

 already poured into the general fund by these your illustrious 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 which 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 extraordinary, 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 more striking 

 particulars 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 comparison with these, all that is the fruit of solitary 

 efforts, though some of them sufficiently marvellous, appears trifling and 

 insignificant ; as the works of man himself, when they are the product of 

 the industry and genius of only one, or a few individuals, though they 

 might be regarded with admiration by a being who had seen nothing 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 associa- 

 tions are for various purposes and of different durations. 



There are societies the object of which is mutual defence ; 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 



