The Hunting Wasps 



In this way are formed not real societies, 

 for there are no concerted efforts towards a 

 common object, but at least assemblies where 

 the sight of her kinswomen and her neigh- 

 bours doubtless puts heart into the labour of 

 the individual. We can observe, in fact, be- 

 tween these little tribes, springing from the 

 same stock, and the burrowers who do their 

 work alone, a difference in activity which re- 

 minds us of the emulation prevailing in a 

 crowded yard and the indifference of labour- 

 ers who have to work in solitude. Action is 

 contagious in animals as in men; it is fired by 

 its own example. 



To sum up: when of a moderate weight 

 for its captor, the prey can be conveyed flying, 

 to a great distance. The Wasp can then 

 choose any site that she pleases for her bur- 

 row. She adopts by preference the spot 

 where she was born and uses each passage as 

 a common corridor giving access to several 

 cells. The result of this meeting at a com- 

 mon birthplace is the formation of groups, 

 like turning to like, which is a source of 

 friendly rivalry. This first step towards so- 

 cial life comes from facilities for travelling. 

 Do not things happen in the same way with 

 man, if I may be permitted the comparison? 

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