368 AFFECTION OF INSECTS FOR THEIR YOUNG. 



coon which incloses them is imposed upon the workers, 

 who are taught by some sensation to us incomprehensi- 

 ble, that the perfect insect is now ready to burst from 

 the shroud, but too weak to effect its purpose unaided. 

 When the workers discover that this period has arrived, 

 a great bustle prevails in their apartment. Three or 

 four mount upon one cocoon, and with their mandibles 

 begin to open it where the head lies. First they pull off 

 a few threads to render the place thinner ; they then 

 make several small openings, and with great patience 

 cut the threads which separate them one by one, till an 

 orifice is formed sufficiently large for extracting the pri- 

 soner ; which operation they perform with the utmost 

 gentleness. The ant is still enveloped in its pellicle ; this 

 the workers also pull off, carefully disengaging every 

 member from its case, and nicely expanding the wings 

 of such as are furnished with them. After thus liberat- 

 ing and afterwards feeding the new-born insects, they 

 still for several days watch and follow them every where, 

 teaching them to unravel the paths and winding laby- 

 rinths of the common habitation a ; and when the males 

 and females at length take flight, these affectionate step- 

 mothers accompany them, mounting with them to the 

 summit of the highest herbs, showing the most tender 

 solicitude for them, (some even endeavour to retain them,) 

 feeding them for the last time, caressing them ; and at 

 length, when they rise into the air and disappear, seem- 

 ing to linger for some seconds over the footsteps of these 

 favoured beings, of whom they have taken such exem- 

 plary care, and whom they will never behold again b . 

 a Huber, 83. " Ibid. 93. 



