OF SOCIABLE CATERriLI.AnS. 101 



ance from the others, and is in all probability the 

 one nearest the tent when they set out ; at least, 

 such is Reaumur's opinion. When he first issues 

 fi-om his retreat, he moves forward about two feet, 

 less or more, according to the numbers of his fol- 

 lowers, who now appear from out their cell, and 

 rank themselves in the manner before described, 

 and when this is completed, they move off with the 

 regularity of an army marching to a band of music. 



The larvaj of the Processionary Bombyx are 

 sometimes, although rarely, seen in the open air 

 at mid-day ; in which case they are usually found 

 packed one above another, as if dead ; and although 

 they may occupy a considerable space, yet they are 

 not easily discovered, from the surrounding leaves of 

 grass ; at other times they are observed lying side 

 by side. In the fonner of these conditions they are 

 also frequently found in their habitations. It not 

 unfi-equently happens that these families disperse 

 into smaller groups, and never again unite.* 



Our enlightened and scientific countryman, Mr 

 Skene of Rubieslaw, on an arid coteau above Tolo- 

 nai, in Provence, France, witnessed a procession of 

 a different species of caterpillar, which marched in 

 Indian file, or in a single row, the interesting 

 account of which I shall transcribe in his own lan- 

 guage : — 



• Reaumur, ii. 100. 



