24 IMPERFECY SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 
with an even pace, each file treading upon the steps of 
those that precede it. If the leader, arriving at a pat- 
ticular point, pursues a different direction, all march to 
that point before they turn. Probably in this they are 
guided by some scent imparted to the tracks by those 
that pass over them. Sometimes the order of procession 
is different; the leader, who moves singly, is followed 
by two, these are succeeded by three, then come four, 
and so on. When the leader,—who in nothing differs 
from the rest, and is probably the caterpillar nearest the 
entrance to the nest, followed, as I have described,— 
has proceeded to the distance of about two feet, more or 
less, he makes a halt; during which those which remain 
come forth, take their places, the company forms into 
files, the march is resumed, and all follow as regularly 
as if they kept time to music. These larvae may be oc- 
casionally found at mid-day out of their nests, packed 
close one to another without making any movement; so 
that, although they occupy a space sufficiently ample, it 
is not easy to discover them. At other times, instead of: 
being simply laid side by side, they are formed into sin- 
gular masses, in which they are heaped one upon another, 
and as it were interwoven together. Thus also they are 
disposed in their nests, Sometimes their families divide 
into two bands, which never afterwards unite ?. 
I have nothing further of importance to communicate 
to you on imperfect societies: in my next I shall begin 
the most interesting subject that Entomology offers; a 
subject, to say the least, including as great a portion - 
both of instruction and amusement as any branch of Na- 
4 Reaumur, i. 186, 
