THE HONEY-BEE. 201 



able distance apart. The reason for recommending 

 a partially darkened room is, that should the opera- 

 tion be performed in the open air, as is sometimes 

 done, and in sunshine, the swarms will almost certainly 

 rise again, and very probably may be lost. 



Second Swarms. In ten or twelve days after the 

 departure of the old Queen with her followers, the 

 hive is in a state to send forth another band of emi- 

 grants. The young Queen, thwarted by the workers in 

 her attempt to destroy her rivals yet in their cradles,* 

 traverses the combs in every direction in a state of 

 great agitation, causing by her impetuous courses 

 disorder and confusion amongst the inhabitants, and 

 thereby raising the temperature of the hive to such 

 a height, that the bees, unable to support the aug- 

 mented heat, hurry along with their irritated Queen 

 towards the outlet of the hive, and depart. As there 

 are often from six to ten queens, and sometimes even 

 more, in the hive, two or three will often be found 

 in a second swarm, which has frequently the effect 

 of dividing it, each portion alighting on a separate 

 bush. The operation of uniting them is simple and 

 easy. Cut the branch which carries the smallest 

 portion, and place it in contact with the other ; they 

 will soon unite. Or receive first the one group into 

 an empty hive, and placing it immediately under the 

 other, shake this last down upon them, and the junc- 

 tion is effected. The bees will quickly rid them- 

 selves of the supernumerary queen. 



Third Swarms. It is in consequence of this mul- 

 * See page 95. 



