100 OF SOCIABLE CATERPILLARS. 



failed in regaining his place, had I not given him 

 some assistance, out of sympathy for the distress my 

 experiment occasioned him. He seemed delighted 

 to get into his place again, but was so much confused 

 by the adventure, that he mistook the first sharp turn 

 the line came to, and threw the whole rear into 

 confusion. They broke their line, and much con- 

 sternation and bustle ensued, until each had replaced 

 his head close to his neighbour's tail. 



" I now took up the leader, obviously less, though 

 more active and intelligent than the rest, when the 

 alarm instantly spread over the whole line. I ex- 

 pected the second to take the command, but he 

 seemed the most distressed of any, and eagerly 

 sought about from side to side ; and, in his perplexity, 

 he turned quite around, as if consulting with his 

 follower. The hesitation and confusion was now 

 universal. Various parties broke off as the impres- 

 sion reached the rear, and sought anxiously about, 

 returning again to the line. Having replaced the 

 leader at the head, he instantly took the command, 

 and advancing with confidence, and conducting the 

 whole line in perfect order. When I now inter- 

 rupted their march, the main body no longer exhibited 

 their former anxiety and impatience when the leader 

 was removed, but seemed to wait with perfect com- 

 posure and confidence until the obstruction was 

 overcome, which the leader used every means and 

 ingenuity to accomplish. It did not occur to me 

 till I had left these amusing travellers, to try the 



