IMPERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 3 
There are societies the object of which is mutual de- 
fence; 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 certain circumstances, merely for the sake of com- 
pany ;—again, others are brought together by accidental 
causes, and disperse when these cease to operate ;—and 
finally, others, which may be said to form proper socie- 
ties, are associated for the nurture of their young, and, 
by the union of their labours and instincts, for mutual 
society, help, and comfort, in erecting or repairing their 
common habitation, in collecting provisions, and in de- 
fending their fortress when attacked. 
With respect to the duration of the societies of insects, 
some last only during their first or larva state; and are 
occasionally even restricted to its earliest period ;—some 
again only associate in their perfect or imago state; while 
with others, the proper societies for instance, the asso- 
ciation is for life. But if I divide societies of insects into 
perfect and imperfect, it will, I think, enable me to give 
you a clearer and better view of the subject. By perfect 
societies I mean those that are associated in all their 
states, live in a common habitation, and unite their la- 
bours to promote a common object ;—and by zmperfect 
societies, those that are either associated during part of 
their existence only, or else do not dwell in a common 
habitation, nor unite their labours to promote a common 
object. In the present letter I shall confine myself to 
giving you some account of zmperfect societies. 
Imperfect societies may be considered as of five de- 
scriptions :—associations for the sake of company only 
B 2 
