66 PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 
larger animals, experience any thing like attachment to 
individuals, is not easily ascertained; but that they feel 
the full force of the sentiment which we term patriotism, 
or the love of the community to which they belong, is . 
evident from the whole series of their proceedings, which - 
all tend to promote the general good. Distress or diffi- 
culty falling upon any member of their society, generally 
excites their sympathy, and they do their utmost to re- 
lieve it. M. Latreille once cut off the antennze of an 
ant; and its companions, evidently pitying its sufferings, 
anointed the wounded part with a.drop of transparent 
fluid from their mouth: and whoever attends to what is 
going forward in the neighbourhood of one of their nests, 
will be pleased to observe the readiness with which they 
seem disposed to assist each other in difficulties. When 
a burthen is too heavy for one, another will soon come 
to ease it of part of the weight, and if one is threatened 
with an attack, all hasten to the spot, to join in repell- 
ing it. 
The satisfaction they express at meeting after absence 
is very striking, and gives some degree of individuality 
to their attachment. M. Huber witnessed the gesticu- 
lations of some ants, originally belonging to the same 
nest, that, having been entirely separated from each other 
four months, were afterwards brought together. ‘Though 
this was equal to one-fourth of their existence as perfect 
insects, they immediately recognised each other, saluted 
mutually with their antenne, and united once more to 
form one family. 
They are also ever intent to promote each other’s wel- 
fare, and ready to share with their absent companions 
any good thine they may meet with. Those that go 
