IMPERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 19 
It seems probable, as these columns are extended to a con- 
siderable length, that the object of this successive change 
of leaders is to convey constant intelligence to those in 
the rear, of what is going forward in the van. Whether 
any thing like this takes place for the regulation of their 
motions in the innumerable locust-armies, which are 
sometimes co-extensive with vast kingdoms; or whether 
their instinct simply directs them to follow the first that 
moves or flies, and to keep their measured distance, so 
that, as the prophet speaks, ‘one does not thrust another, 
and they walk every one in his path*,” must be left to 
future naturalists to ascertain. And I think that you will 
join with me in the wish that travellers, who have a taste 
for Natural History, and some knowledge of insects, 
would devote a share of attention to the proceedings of 
these celebrated animals, so that we might have facts in- 
stead of fables. 
The last order of imperfect associations approaches 
nearer to perfect societies, and is that of those insects 
which the social principle urges to unite in some common 
work for the benefit of the community. 
Amongst the Coleoptera, Ateuchus pilularius, ¥"., a bee- 
tle before mentioned, acts under the influence of this prin- 
ciple. “I have attentively admired their industry and 
mutual assisting of each other,” says Catesby, ‘in roll- 
ing those globular balls from the place where they made 
them, to that of their interment, which is usually the di- 
stance of some yards, more or less. ‘This they perform 
breech foremost, by raising their hind parts, forcing 
along the ball with their hind feet. Two or three of 
a Joel u. 8. 
(oh 
