INSECTS IN GENERAL. 113 



they have some mode of inter-communication with each 

 other, and that they possess memory seems fully certain. 

 We may repeat, however, that the subject is surrounded 

 with difficulties and obscurities, which, we fear, will not be 

 speedily removed and dissipated. We cannot, in a case of 

 this kind, be too cautious in the admission of anecdotes, or 

 too strict in the investigation of facts on which to found our 

 theories. 



We often find insects assembled in great numbers in one 

 and the same place : but if their individual preservation is 

 the sole motive of these re-unions — if they are only attracted 

 to a particular spot by the abundance of aliments which they 

 find there, common to them all, or a shelter where they may 

 be less exposed to the intemperature of the weather, or the 

 attacks of their enemies, such accidental assemblages cannot 

 be considered in the light of societies, properly so called. 

 Certain caterpillars, which have been designated under the 

 title of common, processionary, &c. already in approximation 

 when in the egg state, weave in concert a web, which, like a 

 hammock, or tent, serves as a habitation for them until their 

 final metamorphosis. But such labours have reference solely 

 to their own proper existence. They are occupied only with 

 themselves. They have no family to bring up, no pains or 

 cares respecting generations yet unborn. " There reigns 

 among them," says Bonnet, " the most perfect equality ; 

 there is no distinction of sex, and almost no distinction of 

 size. They all resemble, all have the same share in the 

 labours. All compose, properly speaking, but one family, 

 issuing from the same mother." This temporary association 

 is dissolved the moment the caterpillars pass into the chrysa- 

 lis state. All becomes inertness, and absolute isolation. 



It is not thus with the perfect societies of insects, and 

 which alone properly deserve the name. They are eminently 

 distinguished from the preceding, not only by reason of the 



VOL. XIV. I 



