276 THE HONEY BEE. 



of maternity, but their whole attention fixed on other matters, 

 than that a maggot well supplied with wholesome nutriment 

 should arrive at that perfect development which is the charac- 

 teristic of its sex. 



When, under ordinary circumstances, a young queen emerges 

 from the chrysalis, the old one frequently leaves the hive, 

 heading the first swarm for the season, and, flying to some 

 neighbouring resting-place, is observed by the apiator, captured, 

 placed under a new hive, and a new colony is immediately 

 commenced. Before a swarm leaves the hive, sure indications 

 are given of the intended movement; the workers leave their 

 various occupations, and collect in groups, especially near the 

 door of the hive, as though in consultation on the important 

 event about to take place. 



As the summer advances many queens are hatched, but the 

 workers do not allow them instant liberty, as severe battles 

 would instantly take place between them and the reigning 

 queen, in which one would be killed. The workers, therefore, 

 merely make a small hole in the ceiling of the royal cell, through 

 which the captive queen thrusts her tongue, and receives sup- 

 plies of food from the attentive workers. In this state of con- 

 finement the queens utter a low querulous sound, which has 

 been compared to singing. When the reigning, or any other 

 queen that has gained her liberty, finds one of these captives, 

 she uses every effort to tear open the cell and destroy her rival. 

 To prevent this the workers often intei-pose, pulling her away 

 by the legs and wings. To this she submits but a short time, 

 when, uttering a peculiar cry, called her voice of sovereignty, 

 she commands instant attention and obedience, and is at once 

 freed from her assailants. 



We must, not extend our remarks ; we fear some of our 

 readers will think we have already done so beyond the bounds 

 of etiquette to our contributors, many of whom have become 

 weary with long waiting. At a future time we may again use 

 the title of Dr. Bevan's book as an excuse for writing about 

 Bees ; for the present we content ourselves with recommending 

 it to our readers. 



