PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 



55 



saccharine fluid at the touch of these imperative organs. The 

 helpless larvae also of the ants are informed by the same 

 means when they may open their mouths to receive their 

 food. 



Next to their language, and scarcely different from it, are 

 the modes by which they express their affections and aversions. 

 Whether ants, with man and some of the larger animals, ex- 

 perience 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 com- 

 munity to which they belong, is evident from the whole 

 series of their proceedings, which all tend to promote the 

 general good. Distress or difficulty falling upon any member 

 of their society generally excites their sympathy, and they 

 do their utmost to relieve it. M. Latreille once cut off the 

 antennae of an ant ; and its companions, evidently pitying its 

 sufferings, anointed the wounded part with a drop of trans- 

 parent 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 repelling 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 gesticulations of some 

 ants, originally belonging to the same nest, that, having been 

 entirely separated from each other four months, were after- 

 wards brought together. Though this was equal to one 

 fourth of their existence as perfect insects, they immediately 

 recognised each other, saluted mutually with their antennae, 

 and united once more to form one family. 



They are also ever intent to promote each other's welfare, 

 and ready to share with their absent companions any good 

 thing they may meet with. Those that go abroad feed those 

 which remain in the nest ; and if they discover any stock of 

 favourite food, they inform the whole community, as we have 

 seen above, and teach them the way to it. M. Huber, for 



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