LETTERS ON ENTOMOLOGY. 91 
another without touching his antennae, which as 
they make no significant sounds, like bees, must 
be their organ of speech, supplying the place both 
of voice and words. The signal for marching is 
made by the military ants touching the trunk 
with their antennae and forehead. They also ex- 
press in different ways their aversions and af- 
fections, and though we cannot easily ascertain 
whether they feel individual attachment, they 
certainly work for the public good, and any 
distress falling on a member of their community 
generally excites their sympathy. M. Latreille 
once cut off the antennae of an ant, and its com- 
panions, evidently pitying its sufferings, anointed 
the wounded part with a drop of transparent 
fluid from their mouth; and whoever observes 
them will be pleased to see how they assist each 
other in difficulties. They even recognise each 
other after absence, and evince a striking satis- 
faction. M. Huber witnessed the gesticulations 
of some ants, originally belonging to the same 
nest, who met after four months' separation, and 
though this was equal to a quarter of their life 
as perfect insects, yet they mutually recognised 
each other, saluted with their antennae, and 
united once more to form one family. They 
are also ever ready to promote each other's wel- 
