212 NATURAL SWARMING. 



exhibiting the appearance of natural swarming, they leave, 

 not because the population is so crowded that they wish to 

 form new colonies, but because it is either so small, or the 

 hive so destitute of supplies, that they are driven to desper- 

 ation. Seeming to have a presentiment that they must perish 

 if they stay, instead of awaiting the sure approach of famine, 

 they sally out to see if they cannot better their condition. 



FIG. 95. 



GATHERIXG A SWARM, 



From Mont-Jovet, Savoie, France. 



Such desertions should not be mistaken for natural swarming 

 408. The time, when new swarms may be expected, de- 

 pends, of course, upon the climate, the forwardness of the 

 season, and the strength of the colonies. In our Northern 

 and Middle States, they seldom issue before the latter part 

 of May, and .June may there be considered as the great 



