236 SWARMING. 



ities they will occasionally swarm earlier. First 

 swarms usually send one or more swarms during 

 the same season, and instances have occurred where 

 still another generation has appeared. 



The main swarming season usually terminates by 

 the 20th of July,* but where late pasture abounds, 

 it sometimes continues later. 



SIGNS PRECEDING FIRST-SWARMING. 



For some days before the time of swarming, the 

 bees may be seen clustering at the entrance of their 

 hive mornings and evenings, at first in small num- 

 bers, and finally in large clusters.! A swarm may 

 now be expected at any time, except in the months 

 of July and August, when it is usual for them to 



=*The swarming is mostly over by the 10th of June, except 

 swarms from swarms. As there occurs a scarcity of pasture 

 from this time till the second week in July, few, if any, swarms 

 will issue. About the middle of July, the young swarms are in 

 condition to swarm, and if any old hives intend to do so at a 

 second period, it may now be expected. 



tThis clustering preparatory to swarming is mainly for the pur- 

 pose of secretion of wax, of which large quantities* are immedi- 

 ately required to construct combs as soon as the bees become lo- 

 cated in their new habitation. 



If, during the natural period of swarming, any hive that is 

 crowded with bees is observed to remain clustered in a quiet 

 manner, with but few going forth to labor, while those of other 

 hives are working and storing honey diligently, it is an indication 

 that it is preparing to swarm, and may be expected to do so at 

 any time. 



