THE HONEY BEE. 77 



in some even the cas*t or second swarm throws off a 

 colony of 10,000 or 12,000 ; and still, at the end of 

 harvest, this original stock-hive shall exhibit a popu- 

 lation of 1 8,000 or 20,000. Add to all this, in some 

 instances, though rare, a first swarm throws off two 

 colonies. 



Before depositing her egg, the Queen carefully 

 examines the cell, inserting her head into it, and 

 keeping it there for a second or two ; and, as already 

 stated (page 63), after having laid a few eggs on one 

 side of the comb, proceeds to the other side, and with 

 a view probably of economizing heat, supplies the 

 corresponding cells upon that side. Her impatience 

 or necessity to commence laying is such, that in 

 newly-established hive eggs will be found before there 

 are three inches square of comb constructed, and even 

 before the cells have attained their full depth. And 

 in a well-peopled hive, even during winter, and while 

 the temperature is chilled by the frosts and snows of 

 January, and the bleak winds of the following month, 

 the indefatigable Mother-bee is found busied in de- 

 positing eggs. We have said that the Queen begins 

 laying eggs forty-six hours after impregnation. This 

 does not hold true invariably. A sudden change of 

 temperature may prolong the interval to a very con- 

 siderable extent. Huber had a Queen impregnated 

 in October, which, on account of the inclemency of 

 die season, did not begin laying till the following 

 spring. 



The eggs, when laid, remain fixed on the superior 

 angle of the cell, to which they are attached by a 



