PLAYING. 63 



perplexity to new beginners, I deem it worthy of 

 notice. 



On the first warm day that succeeds cold or gloomy 

 weather, the bees hold a jubilee ; not usually all at 

 once, but a separate hive or a limited number at a 

 time, usually in regular succession. This is for the 

 purpose of purification and exercise. As soon as the 

 day has become warm enough to excite them to go 

 forth, large numbers will be seen to suddenly issue 

 from the hive and mount on the wing with songs of 

 rejoicing, circle round, play a short time, and then 

 return. Others are constantly sallying out and 

 returning in like manner. Then may be heard the 

 bee-hive's happy hum. The excitement occasioned by 

 the departure and arrival of the bees is kept up for 

 about thirty minutes, more or less, according to the 

 number of bees composing the swarm, and the tem- 

 perature of the atmosphere. This playing occurs at 

 intervals during the whole season. 



During the active breeding season, the young bees 

 flying for the first time constitute the great body of 

 players ; the drones also go forth in considerable 

 numbers. At this period it bears so close a resemb- 

 lance to that of a swarm commencing to depart, that 

 it requires a practiced eye to detect the difference. 

 Hence, young apiarians not unfrequently mistake the 

 amusement for the process of swarming, and prepare 

 to hive them. 



By observing closely, however, numbers will be 

 seen returning, as well as departing, which is not the 



