268 THE GREAT NORTH-WEST 



of inhabitants. A freshly formed swarm is always very 

 small, numbering, perhaps, no more than a few hundred 

 bees ; but their instinct must inform them of their pro- 

 bable increase, for they never take possession of a cavity 

 that will not accommodate many thousands. If disturbed 

 in their home, but only partially destroyed, the survivors 

 will return again and again with indomitable persever- 

 ance. 



