Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1843-07-19
From The Massachusetts, Spy.
IN mt FIGHT


Mr.. Editor: Whilst rambling IN the fields few days
since witnessed scene Of particular interest which
think far 10 demonstrate that insects possess
reasoning faculties. Thclncident referred to- was a pitch
contention being evidently the possession OF gasshOpper
which lay crushed midway between the hills, which
were some 20 feet apart.
When first seem the combatants were clustered around
the object OF contest graphing each other with their mand
bles squirting venom, and hundred other Incl.
dent hand hand fight uddenya cessation Of
agreed upo and the combaianis the field each par.
yreurnng 10 Its respective HILL leaving nine num-
Der outside the works. who Immediately each mounted
tall blade OF grass seeming sentres which in fact
was "t ohce, Tor upon one OF the hills suddenly poured
forth millions OF uny warriors They descended from the
look and descended into the citadel which, in its turn
sent forth martial thrOng.
One body emerged from sally ports without any regard
Tor order u space Of feet had been passed
when they depoyod the night and left till they form
ed an OF feet their night the bank
o small pool and the lett on rock about 2D inches high.
The opposite party coming forth exhibited more fin
ished disposition From outlets, they advanced in couples
and os, alternately, each tho moving in direct line for
the centre OF their opponents line and halng when within
three feet the coupets proceeding angle drawn from
their hill 10 the extreme right left Of their foes The
night eouP!ets took up position a small knoll about
Ne eet from the enemies rock, two IN the tTios
while the left continued march m the pool caused halt
An Immediate reOgade took place. and the body
posted Itself IN line, extending from the right the tros
land forming triangle with It,, the bank Of the pool
Both parties remained stationary a few moments then
striking their heads emily tie ground and rais-
ing themselves erect, the tros rushed the fight
the coupets remaining stationary. The movement of the
tos met by immediate advance Of the night and
left OF the line the CALAMITY maintaining its ground
as II attempting gain the Os This attempt how
ever, fooled by the cOupets opposing them and the
night became general A. either party gained the ascen.
dancy, there would be running, tumbng fight
all over the field OF battle, which embraced twenty
feet square Occasionally the tide battle LETT one por-
ton of the ground, thousands might be seen writing In
agony from the loss Of a limb antennT. After a hard
ish OF sNy'e minutes, the trlos and coupets vic
tJnOus pursuing the vluquhcd into their fortress when
apne seemed 10 be the order the day The nests of
their antagonists torn pieces and their eggs and
young borne of triumphant To the conqueroT's fortress
The battle ground nOw exhibited picture an exact eoun.
te0rt IN immature OF other fields Of glory But what in
erescd most the operation o the surgeons and their
assistants NOW don't SMILE incrcduluus) there was in that
insect army regular staff OF officers their own peculiar
uniforms and surgeons and their attendants the leave,
Of large thsc which spread on the ground bod,
cred together and evidently converting for h,y would &c
csonay touch each other paris their bldie.
with their antennH, and when touched, is individual
would start o 10 the field Of battle, and running among the
sngslers and wounded for few moments return; aud IN
turn touch some other one whJ started oil the e
/ rund.
few inches from tins body on neishbOring leaf were
body Of grim, blck looking fellow, whom hundreds 81
the common soldiers were dragging the wounded and dy.
lug wherever limb bad been severed from the body or
wound inflicted te hlcS surgeons would doposi.e drot
OF fluid from its mouth aud then the patient dragged M
10 the citadel Night had now nearly IN, aud with re-
tucthnce was obliged 10 quit the scene.
We well say with Huber, "we can compre he nd the
instinct which shall. at all times animal 20 build IL.
hab1on after distinct fashion," but spontaneous com
binaipn OF faculties take place in these wars
shall pay the inferior lhe.e republics soon her.
have no doubt shall End ample food or wonder which
come my study. Yours, Sc
H. PAINE