136 PBOPOLIS. 



to seek for a new one elsewhere. A crowded popu- 

 lation may not be the sole cause of this periodical 

 emigration of the bees ; but it seems consonant to 

 the usual course of nature that it should be the prin- 

 cipal cause, and that others which ma^ be alleged 

 are but subservient to it. No royal brood is reared, 

 unless the population fill the hive almost to over- 

 flowing. This takes place sooner or later, according 

 to the size of the domicile ; and hence we find that, 

 generally speaking, small hives swarm sooner than 

 those of larger dimensions. 



The heat in a full hive is excessive the thermo- 

 meter often rising above 1 00 degrees, and may doubt- 

 less have its effect in hastening the swarming ; and 

 we have oftener than once succeeded in bringing off 

 a swarm, when apparently undetermined, by the arti- 

 ficial application of heat. But this increased temper- 

 ature is the consequence of the overgrown population 

 in relation to the size of their dwelling. The un- 

 easiness of the Queen is usually stated as one of the 

 causes of swarming, arising from the sight of so many 

 royal cells, each containing, as a sure instinct teaches 

 her, a future rival. However this may hold true in 

 after-swarms, it seems at least doubtful whether it 

 be applicable to the first. In respect to after-swarms, 

 the then Queen, prompted by jealousy, is desirous to 

 destroy her rivals ; and being prevented by the bees 

 from doing so, she becomes agitated and restless, and 

 finally forsakes a hive where she meets with so much 

 to annoy her. But in the case of & first swarm, the 

 Queen-mother meets with nothing but respect and 



