28 PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 
operating cause, which induces them to unite their la- 
bours to construct the one and provide the other? Their 
nests contain a numerous family of helpless brood. Does 
not love here seem to urge them to that exemplary and 
fond attention, and those unremitted and indefatigable 
exertions manifested by the whole community for the 
benefit of these dear objects? Is it not also evidenced 
by their general and singular attachment to their females, 
by their mutual caresses, by their feeding each other, by 
their apparent sympathy with suffering individuals and 
endeavours to relieve them, by their readiness to help 
those that are in difficulty, and finally by their sports 
and assemblies for relaxation? ‘That fear produces its 
influence upon them seems no less evident, when we see 
them, agitated by the approach of enemies, endeavour 
to remove what is most dear to them beyond their reach, 
unite their efforts to repel their attacks, and to construct 
works of defence. ‘They appear to have besides a com- 
mon language; for they possess the faculty, by significa- 
tive gestures and sounds, of communicating their wants 
and ideas to each other. 
There are, however, the following great differences 
between human societies and those of insects. Man is 
susceptible of individual attachment, which forms the 
basis of his happiness, and the source of his purest and 
dearest enjoyments :—whereas the love of insects seems 
to be a kind of patriotism that is extended to the whole 
community, never distinguishing individuals, unless, as 
in the instance of the female bee, connected with that 
great object. 
Man also, endowed with reason, forms a judgement 
from circumstances, and by a variety of means can at- 
