2 IMPERFECT SOCIETIES OE INSECTS. 



1 



winning over to the science I love the exertions of a mind 

 like yours. 



But if the facts already related, however extraordinary, 

 have had power to produce such an effect upon you, what 

 will be the momentum, when I lay before you more at large, 

 as I next purpose, the more striking particulars of the pro- 

 ceedings of insects in society, and show the almost incredibly 

 wonderful results of the combined instincts and labours of 

 these minute beings ? In comparison with these, all that is 

 the fruit of solitary efforts, though some of them sufficiently 

 marvellous, appear trifling and insignificant : as the works of 

 man himself, when they are the product of the industry and 

 genius of only one, or a few individuals, though they might 

 be regarded with admiration by a being who had seen nothing 

 similar before, yet when contrasted with those to which the 

 union of these qualities in large bodies has given birth, sink 

 into nothing, and seem unworthy of attention. Who would 

 think a hut extraordinary by the side of a stately palace, or 

 a small village when in the vicinity of a populous and mag- 

 nificent city? 



Insects in society may be viewed under several lights, and 

 their associations are for various purposes and of different 

 durations. 



There are societies the object of which is mutual defence ; 

 while that of others is the propagation of the species. Some 

 form marauding parties, and associate for prey and plunder ; 

 others meet, as it should seem, under certain circumstances, 

 merely for the sake of company ; again, others are brought 

 together by accidental causes, and disperse when these cease 

 to operate ; and, finally, others, which may be said to form 

 proper societies, are associated for the nurture of their young, 

 and, by the union of their labours and instincts, for mutual 

 society, help, and comfort, in erecting or repairing their com- 

 mon habitation, in collecting provisions, and in defending their 

 fortress when attacked. 



With respect to the duration of the societies of insects, 

 some last only during their first or larva state, and are oc- 

 casionally even restricted to its earliest period ; some again 

 only associate in their perfect or imago state ; while with 



